Reducio!
Word Origin: From the Latin reducere (to lead or bring back) Purpose: This spell is a counter-incantation for the spell “Engorgement Charm” which enlarges objects. Reducio returns the object to its original size. Example: In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, after enlarging a spider using the Engorgement Charm, the fake Moody uses this spell to return it to its normal size.
Rennervate! Word Origin: From the Latin Re (Again) and enerver (new) = to make new again Purpose: This spell is used to revive a person who has passed out or been rendered unconscious Example: In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Amos Diggory revived the Stunned Winky with this spell.
Reparo! Word Origin: From the Latin reparare (restore, put back in order) Purpose: This spell is used to fix broken objects Example: In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Snape cast this spell during Occlumency class, to repair a jar that shattered in his office.
Rictusempra! Word Origin: From the Latin Rictus (wide-open mouth) and semper (always) Purpose: This is the incantation for the Tickling Charm, which causes the victim to laugh uncontrollably. When it is cast, a bolt of silver light issues from the caster’s wand and hits the victim, causing the uncontrollable laughter. The spell “Finite Incanatem!” can be used to counter the effects of this charm. Example: In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry used this spell on Draco at the Duelling Club.
Riddikulus!
Word Origin: From the Latin ridiculus (facetious, laughable) Purpose: This incantation is used to get rid of a Bogart – a creature that assumes the form of a person’s greatest fear. Prior to casting the spell, the wizard/witch must visualize the Bogart doing or being something humorously ridiculous. The laughter this causes will banish the Boggart Example: In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, while in the Triwizard maze, Harry successfully cast this spell upon a boggart
Scourgify! Word Origin: From the English scour (cleanse by rubbing) and -ify (to make). Thus scourgify could mean “to make clean”. Purpose: This is the incantation for the Scourging Charm, which is used to clean up. Example: In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Ginny Weasley uses it to clean up a nasty plant substance called “Stinksap” from a train compartment in the Hogwarts Express. It is also
Sectumsempra! Word Origin: From the Latin Sectum (cut deeply) + semper (always, forever) Purpose: This is a dark spell invented by Severus Snape, the Half-Blood Prince. It slashes deep lacerations in the subject’s body, as if by an invisible sword. The spell has no effect at all on creatures that feel no pain, such as the inferi. Example: In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry learnt this spell from an old potions textbook by Snape, and used it in a fight against Draco Malfoy, his principal rival at Hogwarts Academy.
Serpensortia! Word Origin: From the Latin serpens (snake) and the French sortie (escape, go out). Purpose: This incantation conjures a giant black snake from the caster’s wand. Example: In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Draco Malfoy uses it in a fight against Harry.
Silencio! Word Origin: From the Latin silens (silent); from the Portuguese and Spanish silêncio and silencio (silence) respectively. Purpose: This is the incantation for the Silencing Charm. It has the effect of rendering the victim unable to make a sound. Example: In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries, Hermione casts this spell on a Death Eater, which weakened the spells he used to attack her with.
Sonorus! Word Origin: From the Latin sonorus (resounding, loud, noisy) Purpose: This incantation greatly amplifies the target’s voice, much like a microphone does. The spell “Quietus!” will bring the caster’s voice back to normal. Example: In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, the spell is used by Ludo Bagman in lieu of a megaphone, to make himself heard to the large crowds at the Quidditch World Cup stadium.
Specialis Revelio! Word Origin: From the Latin specialis (belonging to a particular kind or species) and revelare (reveal, uncover, disclose). Purpose: This is incantation is used to reveal the magical properties or hidden secrets of an enchanted object. It is also used to identify the different ingredients in a magical potion. Example: In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Hermione Granger uses it on a copy of the Half-Blood Prince’s book on Advanced Potion-Making.
Stupefy! Word Origin: From the Latin stupere (be stunned) and facere (to make) Purpose: This is the incantation for the Stunning Spell, which knocks out the victim and renders him/her temporarily unconscious. The spell “Ennervate!” can be used to revive the subject. Example: In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, this spell is cast upon Professor McGonagall by a group of wizards and witches who were led by Dolores Umbridge
Tarantallegra! Word Origin: From the Italian tarantella (a fast country dance similar to the quickstep), and the musical term allegro (brisk or rapid in tempo). Purpose: This incantation causes the victim legs to dance uncontrollably. The spell “Finite Incantatem!” can be used to counter this spell. Example: In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, a Death Eater puts this spell on Neville Longbottom
Tergeo! Word Origin: From the Latin tergere (to wipe, rub) Purpose: This spell is used to clean up a liquid substance. Example: In Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, when Draco Malfoy breaks Harry’s nose, Hermione uses this spell to clean the blood off of his face
Wingardium Leviosa! Word Origin: From Latin arduus (high, steep), wing as of a bird, and levo (to raise up, lift up) Purpose: This is a simple spell that causes a target object to levitate. Example: In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Lee Jordan levitates two Nifflers into Umbridge’s office, but lays the blame on Hagrid for it.
