Curses, Hexes, and Jinxes

This is a list of Curses, Hexes, and Jinxes considered "A.O. Canon". For a full list of all A.O. Canon spells, see List of Spells

Key

Pronunciation: How the spell is pronounced (roughly) aloud.

Appearance: What the spell looks like, including any accompanying wand motions.

Description: What the spell does and how it works.

Regulations and Skill Level:

Regulation Levels:

Legal: Performing this spell is not specifically prohibited by law.

Controlled: This spell is either legal only in some cases, or legal, but not widely known.

Legal in Self-Defense: This magic is only legal when used against unprovoked aggression; using it on a fellow human under any other circumstances is illegal.

Illegal: Performing this spell is specifically against Wizarding law, regardless of circumstances (for example, wizards may not use the Killing Curse on other human beings, even in self-defense).

Skill Levels:

Beginner: A first-year student would be capable of performing this spell.

Intermediate: A fourth-year student would be capable of performing this spell.

Advanced: A fully-qualified wizard (17 or older) would be capable of performing this spell.

Master: This spell requires greater experience or specialized knowledge, and is unlikely to be performed successfully by anyone under age 30.

Etymology: The root language and meaning of the word(s) in the spell.

Canon Reference: If the spell is canonical, this section notes at least one reference to it.

Notes: Any other information about the spell.

Curses, Jinxes, and Hexes

Accido (Trip Jinx)

Pronunciation: ak-SEE-doh

Appearance: Invisible

Description: Causes the target to trip and fall. Instantaneous.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Beginner.

Etymology: Latin “to fall down”

Canon Reference: Used by Draco Malfoy on Harry Potter in Order of the Phoenix.

At Absit Omen: A favorite...

• Claudia Vespucciano uses it against a foe [1]
• Fauna Blake uses it in a duel with Vienna Pascal [2]
• Saffron Padmore mimics casting the spell in a play [[3]]
• The fifth years face the spell in their O.W.L.s [4]

Angustio (Constricting Hex)

Pronunciation: ang-GOO-stee-oh

Appearance: A revolving sparkler that arcs into the target’s side. Accomplished with a sideways flick of the wand arm, like throwing a shuriken.

Description: Causes the ribs to squeeze unpleasantly on the lungs, resulting in shortness of breath and a compressed heart, which together can cause dizziness or even fainting. Lasts an hour, but easily dispelled.

Regulations and Skill Level: Controlled, Intermediate to Advanced.

Etymology: From Latin angustus, meaning “constricted breath

At Absit Omen: Invented by Jason MacDonell in his seventh year at Hogwarts, and known only to him and his close circle; A favorite of Gracie Slant [5]

Angustium Fatalis (Constriction Curse)

Pronunciation: ang-GOO-stee-uhm fuh-TAHL-ihs

Appearance: A red revolving sparkler, emitting black sparks, arcs into the target’s side. Accomplished with a sideways flick of the wand arm, like throwing a shuriken.

Description: Causes the ribs to squeeze more violently on the lungs, until the target suffocates or the heart ruptures from the pressure. Takes approximately five minutes until the target blacks out, another five until death.

Regulations and Skill Level: Controlled (but would probably be Legal in Self-Defense if known), Master.

Etymology: From Latin angustus, meaning “constricted breath”, and fatalis, meaning “deadly, fatal”

At Absit Omen: Developed from the Constricting Hex by Jason MacDonell during his time as an Auror, and known only to him and his close circle.

Capusangre (Bleeding Hex)

Pronunciation: cap-oo-SAHNG-gray

Appearance: A jet of maroon light, which emits sparks en route to the target.

Description: Causes the target to bleed from one or more points on the head. The weakest use will produce a mild nosebleed, whereas the strongest could make the target bleed voluminously from the ears, nose, eyes, and mouth simultaneously, causing unconsciousness in less than a minute. Lasts from a few minutes to an hour or more.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal in Self-Defense. Intermediate to Advanced.

Etymology: From Latin caput, meaning “head”, and sangre, meaning “blood”

At Absit Omen: Maeve Whitman duels with Grace Eddy [6]; Sissel Jowd suffers an errant blast [7]

Concusso (Shockwave Curse)

Pronunciation: cuhn-CUSS-oh

Appearance: Invisible

Description: Causes a powerful magical shockwave, which can be either directed or 360 degrees. This may destroy some weaker objects, and can injure or stun living targets. It is cast with a flick of the wand. Instantaneous.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced.

Etymology: From the word “concussion”

Canon Reference: Used by Dumbledore against Voldemort during their duel. It had no visible effect, but Voldemort’s shield rang like a struck gong.

At Absit Omen:

• Tamis Raynor attempts to defend herself [8]
• Dreogan Eleor casts it on Terry Katsaros [9]
• The Aurors suspect Theodora Kingstreet used the spell to kill Leon Carter [10]
• Melanthe Grumman uses it to capture Devlin Matthews [11]
• Could have been useful to Kurby Bagnold [12]
• Ignan Storm uses it to test Figaro Sellaphix's sheild [13]

Convacies (Eyeball Hex)

Pronunciation: cuhn-VAH-see-aes

Appearance: Invisible, but cast with a half-circle flick of the wand

Description: Causes the eyes of the target to turn 180 degrees, so they stare at the inside of the head. Though painless, this spell can be very jarring and frightening, both for the victim and observers. Instantaneous effect, lasts an hour or two, during which the eyes will gradually drift back to their proper position.

Regulations and Skill Level: Controlled, Intermediate.

Etymology: From Latin converto, “to turn around”, and acies, “eyes”

At Absit Omen: Invented by Jason MacDonell during his sixth year at Hogwarts, and known only to him and his close circle; Peter Marcolf thinks it's wicked [14]

The Dancing Hex

Pronunciation: It is hummed with a catchy tune while using the appropriate clap choreography.

Appearance: Invisible

Description: A Jamaican prank spell used commonly on muggles to cause them to sporadically dance or just for parties and special events. It begins by adults casting the spell on themselves or children who go onto pass it to others. When mastered it causes much more violent and uncontrolled body movements. It is known for being "contagious," and, once begun, is passed on from one person to the next by touch and wears off gradually.

Regulations and Skill Level: Intermediate to Master

At Absit Omen: The first years use it in their antics [15]

Deflagratio Infernum (Fiendfyre Curse)

Pronunciation: deh-fluh-GRAH-tee-oh in-FER-nuhm

Appearance: Sends out flames which take on the form of animals and monsters.

Description: Creates semi-sentient Dark fire that consumes everything in its path. The flames do not have the physical weaknesses of real fire (i.e., immune to water), and are also resistant to any counter-curses but the specific Fiendfyre Counter (so Finite also does not work). The flames can be controlled by a skilled and concentrating caster, but distraction can cause him to lose control of them, after which they are nearly impossible to dominate again without stopping them entirely. The flames can theoretically rampage indefinitely unless they run out of objects to fuel them or are controlled.

Regulations and Skill Level: Illegal. Master.

Etymology: From Latin deflagratio, “burning, destruction by fire”, and Inferno, “hell”

Canon Reference: Used by Vincent Crabbe in Deathly Hallows. His inability to control it destroyed the Room of Hidden Things and killed Crabbe himself.

At Absit Omen: This is a notorious spell at AO

• Cameron Rosier himself casts the spell [16]
• A duel involving this spell gave Adon Eleor his scars [17], and it is one of his specialities
• Darcy Bloxham sets fire to the Hospital Wing [18]
• Seventh Years had to defend against it in their 2009 N.E.W.T.s [19]

Desinoviscus (Organ-Stopper Curse)

Pronunciation: deh-SEE-noh VISS-cuss

Appearance: ] A jet of light; the target usually experiences an instant of shock and pain before dying, if cast on a crucial organ, or otherwise reacts with great pain

Description: Causes the struck organ of the target to stop. If this hits a vital organ (brain, heart, lungs), death will occur after a second. Instantaneous effect.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal in Self-Defense. Master.

Etymology: From Latin desino, “to cease/stop/end”, and viscus, “organs”

Canon Reference: Used by Molly Weasley to kill Bellatrix Lestrange at the Battle of Hogwarts (hit in the heart).

At Absit Omen: James Forrester uses it against an attacking werewolf Frank Pratt [20]

Devinctus (Subjugation Hex)

Pronunciation: deh-VINK-tuss

Appearance: A bolt of jagged white light

Description: Causes the target to be both disarmed and forced to his knees. Unlike the Disarming Charm, the wand of the victim simply flies away, rather than going to the caster. Instantaneous.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced.

Etymology: From Latin devinco, “to conquer thoroughly, subjugate”

Canon Reference: Used by Dumbledore on Snape in 1981, as seen in the Pensieve in Deathly Hallows.

At Absit Omen: Ignan Storm teaches the spell to Callum Knight [21]

Diffrus Perfigum (Fragmentation Curse)

Pronunciation: DIFF-roos pare-FEE-goom

Appearance: A jet of white light, giving off black sparks en route. The caster draws an “X” shape in the air, then flicks the wand over it in the direction of the victim.

Description: Causes random bones in the body to fracture and explode in random directions. Is almost always ultimately fatal, given that ribs will eventually fracture and usually explode into the heart and lungs (although, strictly in theory, all ribs might explode outwards only). Also phenomenally painful; continuing to fight after the first few broken bones is very rare. Takes thirty four and one-third minutes, with bones exploding roughly one every ten seconds.

Regulations and Skill Level: Illegal. Master.

Etymology: From Latin diffringo, “to shatter”, and perfigo, “to stab”

Notes: Like Antonin Dolohov’s curse, the incantation must be spoken aloud for full effect. Casting it nonverbally will cause the bones to crack, but not explode outwards, and is thus much easier to survive (if no less painful).

At Absit Omen: Geoffrey Scrimshander's mother was attacked with this curse

Digilock (Finger Jinx)

Pronunciation: DIH-jih-lok

Appearance: Invisible, apart from its effects

Description: Causes all five of the target’s fingers to stick together. Lasts for a few hours.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Intermediate.

Etymology: From Latin digitus, “finger”, and Langlock, the Tongue-Gluing Jinx from Half-Blood Prince

Canon Reference: After Ron makes a rude hand gesture to Fred and George in Half-Blood Prince, Mrs. Weasley threatens to jinx his fingers together.

At Absit Omen: Naomi Foley uses it in a fight with Bridget Nilson [22]

Effodio (Deep Gash Curse)

Pronunciation: eh-FOH-dee-oh

Appearance: A brilliant purple lightning bolt

Description: Deep bloody gashes and diminished strength around the point of impact. The weakening element acts like poison, crippling the victim until he is administered dittany and given rest.

Regulations and Skill Level: Illegal. Advanced.

Etymology: Latin “to dig out, gouge out”

At Absit Omen:

• Kyle Gibson's signature spell [23]
• Kyle Gibson and Ciarra Belisario discuss it by post [24]
• A back-fired spell sends Kyle Gibson to the hospital wing [25]
• Covadonga Gertrudis suspects a misfired Effodio [26]
• James Forrester uses it to battle with Frank Pratt [27], and he tells the tale [28]

Evomovermis (Slug-Vomiting Hex)

Pronunciation: eh-VOH-moh VIR-mees

Appearance: A jet of green light

Description: Causes the target to vomit slugs for around half an hour, though it may occasionally flare up later.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Intermediate.

Etymology: From Latin evomo, “to vomit forth”, and vermis, “worms”

Canon Reference: Attempted use by Ron Weasley against Draco Malfoy in Chamber of Secrets, though it backfired on Ron himself.

Notes: Though attempted by second-year Ron, Hermione describes it as “difficult to work at the best of times”, suggesting it would have been beyond a second year even without a broken wand

At Absit Omen: Atticus Pennyapple hexes Figaro Sellaphix [29]; Tulojow Nagde treats him [30]; for some reason, it's a spell Figaro Sellaphix knows well [31]

Extorqueo (Dislocation Hex)

Pronunciation: EX-tor-KAY-oh

Appearance: Thin jet of purple light

Description: Causes the joint it hits to be dislocated. Will not work on immovable joints. If it strikes a muscle, it will simply causes a painful wrenching sensation (similar to a Charlie Horse), with no further ill effect. If successful, the joint remains dislocated until treated.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced.

Etymology: Latin “to twist out, dislocate”

At Absit Omen: Another delightful motivator of Ignan Storm [32]

Inflictum Mactabilis (Antonin Dolohov’s Curse)

Pronunciation: ihn-FLIK-toom mock-TAH-bih-lees

Appearance: Zigzagging purple fire

Description: Causes the complete and permanent cessation of function of whatever it strikes (e.g. a limb would cease to function, internal organs would shut down). When spoken aloud, it is always fatal when it strikes the torso or head. Immediate effect.

Regulations and Skill Level: Controlled (and Legal in Self-Defense), Master.

Etymology: From Latin infligo, “to inflict a blow, cause damage”, and mactatus, “slaughter, destroy”

Canon Reference: Used by Dolohov against Hermione during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries.

Notes: Damage is reduced if the incantation is not spoken aloud, but the curse must still be treated immediately for the victim to survive.

At Absit Omen: Cináed Tawse welcomes Cameron Rosier to the neighborhood [33]

Infligo (Smack Hex)

Pronunciation: ihn-FLEE-goh

Appearance: Invisible

Description: A lighter casting will cause the victim to be knocked back a pace; a more forceful casting will knock him off his feet. Instantaneous.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Beginner to Intermediate.

Etymology: Latin “to inflict a blow, cause damage”

At Absit Omen: Grace Eddy 'smacks' Maeve Whitman [34]; Ignan Storm breaks up a fight [35];

Infligo Proterex (Smiting Curse)

Pronunciation: ihn-FLEE-goh proh-TARE-ex

Appearance: Invisible

Description: Blasts a single opponent off his feet and backwards through the air. Instantaneous.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal, Advanced.

Etymology: Latin infligo, “to inflict a blow, cause damage”, and protero, “to crush”

At Absit Omen: Ignan Storm tests Sasha Schlagenweit [36]

Intabeviscus (Organ-Liquefying Curse)

Pronunciation: ihn-TAH-beh-VISS-cuss

Appearance: Red and purple sparks streaking toward the target, cast with a low stabbing motion

Description: Derived from Rackharrow’s Entrail-Expelling Curse, the Organ-Liquefying Curse causes internal organs to slowly melt over the course of a few hours. Unlike Rackharrow’s curse, it affects all organs (instead of simply the ones in the digestive tract), and affects them all simultaneously. As such, it is more dangerous. Lasts until target dies or is treated.

Regulations and Skill Level: Illegal. Master.

Etymology: From Latin intabesco, “to melt”, and viscus, “organs"

Quasso (Shaking Jinx)

Pronunciation: KWA-soh

Appearance: A flash of sky blue light

Description: Causes the target (person or object) to shake violently. If used on a person, can be countered with Consisto. Lasts approximately ten minutes.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Beginner.

Etymology: Latin “to shake violently”

At Absit Omen: Ignan Storm uses it to test Megan Ruiz [37]

Retrorgenus (Knee-Reversal Hex)

Pronunciation: reh-TROR-jen-uss

Appearance: A pink-and-white flash of light

Description: Causes the knee joints to reverse themselves, leaving the leg bending backward (like a dog’s legs) rather than forward. The reversal itself is momentarily painful, and attempts to walk on reversed legs are very difficult. Can last indefinitely until cured, if cast forcefully enough, but at the least a few days.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Advanced.

Etymology: From Latin retrorsum, “backwards”, and genu, “knee”

Canon Reference: Cast by Gertie Keddle on an early Quidditch player, as noted in Chapter Three of Quidditch Through the Ages.

At Absit Omen: Sasha Schlagenweit [38]

Rimaporri (Leek Hex)

Pronunciation: REE-muh-POR-ee

Appearance: A flash of brown light and a squealing sound

Description: Causes the target to spew leaks from his ears. Lasts an hour at most.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Beginner.

Etymology: From Latin rima, “leak”, and porri, “leeks”

Canon Reference: Cast on an unnamed Gryffindor 4th year and Slytherin 6th year in Prisoner of Azkaban.

Rumpos (Bone-Breaker Curse)

Pronunciation: RUM-pohs

Appearance: Invisible, uses a snapping motion of the arm

Description: Breaks whatever bone the wand of the caster is pointed at. Instantaneous.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal in Self-Defense. Intermediate.

Etymology: Latin rumpo, “to break, shatter”, and os, “bone”

Notes: Given the snapping motion necessary to cast the curse, practice is needed to effectively aim the curse at a certain bone.

Somniculo (Nap Jinx)

Pronunciation: sahm-NIH-kyoo-loh

Appearance: A sparkling ball of energy that bursts over the head of the victim, showering him with tiny sparkles.

Description: Causes the victim to gradually fall asleep. An experienced caster can make the delay as little as a few seconds; a weaker casting would give the victim up to a minute to fight or counter the effects. Alternatively, sometimes used by wizards who need a “power nap” on themselves. Lasts anywhere from half an hour to a few hours (but never enough for a good night’s rest). For an experienced caster, his intention has some degree of control over the duration, but it is an inexact science.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Intermediate to Advanced.

Etymology: From Latin somnus, “sleep”

Sternumentum Malefico (Bat-Bogey Hex, Curse of the Bogeys)

Pronunciation: stir-noo-MEN-tum muh-LEH-fee-koh

Appearance: Bogey-colored jet of light

Description: Causes the target’s boogers to become batlike, crawling out of the victim’s nose and growing drastically in size to take flight. The hex itself acts only for a few seconds, though the resulting “bats” will flap around for ten minutes before disintegrating.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Intermediate.

Etymology: From Latin sternumentum, “sneeze”, and maleficus, “evil-doing, mischievous”

Canon Reference: Referenced repeatedly throughout the series. Ginny Weasley in particular is noted to be a proficient caster of this hex.

Strangulo (Strangulation Hex)

Pronunciation: STRANG-gyoo-loh

Appearance: Invisible, but wand must remain pointed at the target

Description: Causes the target (which must be something that can be constricted, such as a blood vessel or windpipe) to constrict, reducing or cutting off the flow of whatever goes through it as long as the caster’s wand remains aimed at the target. This can make it lethal if aimed at the windpipe or blood vessels of the heart.

Regulations and Skill Level: Illegal (use is a misdemeanor). Intermediate to Advanced (Advanced for fatal uses).

Etymology: Latin “I strangle/choke”

Turpiscarpo (Seizing Curse)

Pronunciation: tur-piss-car-PO

Appearance: A flash of orange light

Description: The spell, when successfully cast and not blocked, will seize all parts of a person painfully and cause them to curl into the fetal position, dropping to the ground as all of their muscles and internal organs are constricted. This incapacitates the subject and causes excrutiating pain.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal in Self-Defense. Advanced.

Etymology: Latin turpis, "foul, ugly, disgraceful, morally corrupt", and carpo, "to pluck, seize, grab, lay hold of, hold on to".

Absit Omen References:

• Kronos Malvivicus taught the spell to Sasha Schalgenwiet during the time Kronos kidnapped Sasha. [39]
• Sasha Schlagenweit used it in Defence class against Callum Knight without knowing its exact effects. [40]

Ustulo (Burn Hex)

Pronunciation: YOO-styoo-loh

Appearance: A flash of light

Description: Causes a painful burning sensation on the target, as if he or she has been struck with a red-hot whip. Instantaneous.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Intermediate.

Etymology: Latin “I burn/scorch/singe”

Canon Reference: Used by Narcissa Malfoy on Bellatrix Lestrange in Half-Blood Prince to make Bellatrix release Narcissa. Later used by Snape on Harry during the Flight of the Prince.

Vibrodigi (Jelly-Fingers Curse)

Pronunciation: VEE-broh-DIH-jih

Appearance: Flash of faint pink light

Description: Very similar to the Jelly-Legs Jinx, causes the target's fingers wobble unresponsively, as if the bones had been removed, making them incapable of grasping anything. Takes approximately half an hour for all twitches to completely disappear.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Beginner.

Etymology: From Latin vibro, “to shake, tremble, quiver, vibrate”, and digitus, “finger”

Canon Reference: Mentioned in Quidditch Through the Ages; Following a June 1999 Quidditch match between the Pride of Portree and the Appleby Arrows, the losing Seeker accused the opposing Seeker of putting this curse on him as they both closed in on the Snitch.[41]

Vibrosura (Jelly-Legs Jinx)

Pronunciation: VEE-broh-SOO-ruh

Appearance: Flash of pink light

Description: Causes the legs to wobble uncontrollably, making standing difficult and walking impossible. Takes approximately half an hour for all twitches to completely disappear.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Beginner.

Etymology: From Latin vibro, “to shake, tremble, quiver, vibrate”, and sura, “the calf of the leg”

Canon Reference: Referenced frequently in the series, as early as Sorcerer’s Stone.

Viscudeus (Transmogrifian Torture)

Pronunciation: VISS-koo-DAY-oos

Appearance: Jet of pale yellow light

Description: Turns the internal organs of the target to stone, causing instant death. Instantaneous.

Regulations and Skill Level: Illegal. Master.

Etymology: From Latin viscus, “organs”, and lapideus, “of stone”

Canon Reference: Mentioned by Gilderoy Lockhart when examining Mrs. Norris. Though Lockhart was speaking from ignorance, the events in his books did happen, so the spell likely exists. The frozen position and stunned expression of a Petrification victim might make the mistake of one for the other easy to an untrained or inattentive observer.

Vitadumbro (Inferius Reanimation Curse)

Pronunciation: VEE-tuh-DUM-broh

Appearance: Invisible, though the targeted corpse twitches momentarily and its eyes glow green before returning to “life”

Description: Reanimates a dead body (an Inferius), in the process enslaving the creature to the will of the caster. Inferi can “live” forever unless destroyed, even beyond the death of their own caster.

Regulations and Skill Level: Illegal. Master.

Etymology: From Latin vita, “life”, and adumbro, “imperfect, shadowy, unreal”

Canon Reference: Referenced several times in Half-Blood Prince, and seen in the Cave of the Inferi, where dozens of them guard the locket Horcrux.

Vomicus (Hive Hex)

Pronunciation: VOH-mih-kuss

Appearance: A flash of yellow light

Description: Causes the target’s body to erupt in painful hives. Can last several days if cast forcefully enough.

Regulations and Skill Level: Legal. Intermediate to Master.

Etymology: From Latin vomica, “an ulcer, sore, boil”

Canon Reference: Used by Morfin Gaunt on Tom Riddle, Sr., in Half-Blood Prince