A Complete List of Harry Potter Spells and Their Meanings

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry is incomplete without its students, magical beings, professors, and of course, Harry Potter's mentor, Professor Albus Dumbledore. And, with a vast majority of spells at their disposal, no wonder every person from the HP fandom is waiting for his/her letter from Hogwarts.

Even though we can't get you that letter, what we can give you is an opportunity to master all the spells used in the HP books and movies. So, take your time as you browse through this article and get cracking.

From Accio to Gemino to the unforgivable Avada Kedavra, we have explained these spells to help you understand what each of them are, their pronunciation, and what they are capable of. In the following list, you will discover that some spells do not have specific incantations. This is because the spells have been cast non-verbally, and only the effects are shown.

Say it like: ak-ki-yoh

What it does: It is a summoning charm that brings the object to the caster, regardless of distance. The caster can use it in two ways―casting the charm along with the name of the object to summon, or pointing the wand at the specific object to summon. The best part about the charm is that the caster doesn't have to know where the object is. The charm works on items and small animals, but never on people.

What it does: Although the specific incantation for the spell is unknown, it creates a thin, shimmering line around any object. Only those of a particular age (set by the spell) can pass the line and no amount of aging potion will work on it.

Say it like: ah-gwa-men-tee

What it does: As the caster uses the spell and waves the wand, the tip of the wand helps produce a fountain or jet of water.

Say it like: a-lar-tey ah-sen-deh-rey

What it does: By using this spell, it sends a particular target or object up into the air.

Say it like: al-loh-ha-moh-rah

What it does: The caster can use the spell to open and unlock doors. However, a door can be bewitched, so it doesn't have any effect by the spell.

Say it like: ah-nap-nee-oh

What it does: By using the spell, the caster can clear anyone's airway if it is blocked.

Say it like: an-tay-oh-kyoo-lay-shuh

What it does: This is a hex that changes a target's hair into antlers.

What it does: As the name suggests, this spell can be cast on parchment and quills in order to prevent someone from cheating while they write on or with it, respectively.

What it does: If a caster wants to trap someone in a specific area, this jinx can prevent him/her from disapparating for some time.

Say it like: ah-par-ee-see-um

What it does: Used to reverse concealing charms, this spell can make invisible ink visible.

Say it like: a-kwa ee-ruck-toh

What it does: The tip of the wand helps create and control water.

Say it like: ah-rahn-ee-a eks-su-may

What it does: By using this spell, the caster can blast away Acromantulas (giant spiders), and all other species of spider.

Say it like: ah-rest-oh mo-men-tum

What it does: In order to reduce the speed of multiple moving objects or people, as well as the caster, this spell can be used.

Say it like: ah-sen-dee-oh

What it does: This spell lifts the caster high into the air.

Say it like: ah-vah-dah keh-dav-rah

What it does: This is a killing curse used by the caster to cause instant death to the victim. A green light and a rushing noise emerges from the tip of the wand; there are no counter-curses for it.

Say it like: ay-vis

What it does: As the caster uses the spell, the tip of the wand conjures a flock of birds.

What it does: This curse is thought to cause the victim to babble whenever he/she wishes to speak.

What it does: This charm is opposite of Accio; the caster can banish any object by performing the spell.

What it does: When the caster performs the hex, the victim's bogeys are enlarged along with wings.

What it does: This hex is similar to the Disillusionment Charm; the caster can conceal any object or person by performing the spell (it is thought to be the spell to make invisibility cloaks).

What it does: The caster can bewitch snowballs so that they can be thrown on any target.

Say it like: bom-bar-dah

What it does: When the caster uses the charm, it produces a small explosion.

Say it like: bom-bar-dah max-ih-mah

What it does: A powerful charm, it creates a large explosion that can even blast entire walls.

Say it like: br-ah-kee-um eh-men-doh

What it does: By using this spell, the caster can heal broken bones; only that the spell should be used correctly.

What it does: By performing the charm, a large bubble of air is formed around the head of the caster which helps him/her breathe.

What it does: This charm is similar to an Intruder Charm where any person trying to enter its perimeter will set off a high-pitched scream.

Say it like: cah-vay uh-nim-i-kuhm

What it does: By using the spell, the caster can strengthen a structure, area, or the surroundings from his/her enemies.

What it does: The caster can put this charm on any person who will then become happy and contented, and make the person laugh uncontrollably.

Say it like: sees-tem a-per-ee-oh

What it does: By casting this spell, a person can open any chest or box in front of him/her.

Say it like: cul-low-pore-tus

What it does: This charm helps the caster lock or seal doors, so they can't be opened manually.

Say it like: co-loj-va-ree-ah

What it does: This charm is used to change the color of any object (of an item or on a person).

Say it like: con-freen-go

What it does: This is a Blasting Curse which makes anything that comes in contact with it to explode.

Say it like: con-fun-doe

What it does: When casting this charm, it can make any person confused, bewildered, and forgetful or can bewitch an object.

What it does: As the name suggests, this curse causes the victim's eyes to swell shut like the infection conjunctivitis.

Say it like: kru-see-oh

What it does: This is a Cruciatus Curse, also known as the Torture Curse, one of the three unforgivable curses in the wizarding world. By casting this curse, the victim can be tortured by inflicting excruciating pain.

Say it like: deh-foh-dee-oh

What it does: This is a Gouging Spell that can carve or dig out materials like stone, earth, or steel.

Say it like: del-lee-tree-us

What it does: This is an Eradication Spell which is used to remove or dismiss the effect of the spell Prior Incantato.

Say it like: den-saw-jee-oh

What it does: By using this hex, the caster can make his/her victim's teeth to grow fast.

Say it like: dee-pree-moh

What it does: This is a charm where the caster can blast a hole through any object in a matter of seconds.

Say it like: de-puhl-so

What it does: This is a Banishing Charm which is a counter-charm to the Summoning Charm. Just as Accio brings an object to the caster, Depulso sends an object away.

Say it like: deh-sehn-doh

What it does: The caster can use this spell to make any object move downwards.

Say it like: dee-fin-doe

What it does: This is a Severing Charm which is used to cut or rip objects.

Say it like: dim-in-yew-en-doe

What it does: The caster can use this charm to shrink any object.

What it does: This charm can be used to conceal an object or person; it acts as a camouflage for whatever the charm has been bewitched with.

Say it like: dee-sen-dee-yum

What it does: The caster can use this charm to reveal any hidden passageways or open certain objects.

Say it like: doo-roh

What it does: The caster can use this charm to change objects into stone.

What it does: This is a Transforming Spell that can transfigure a victim's ears into kumquats.

What it does: By casting this curse, a victim's ears would shrivel up.

Say it like: en-gor-jee-oh

What it does: As the caster uses this charm, any object or living thing will increase in size.

What it does: This curse can eject a victim's entrails (internal organs).

Say it like: eh-pis-kee

What it does: This is a Healing Spell which can heal minor injuries like a broken nose.

Say it like: e-rek-toe

What it does: This charm is used to erect an object.

Say it like: ee-vaa-nes-koh

What it does: This is a Vanishing Spell that is used to vanish any target.

Say it like: ee-ver-tay stah-tum

What it does: This spell is used during a duel, which can cause the victim to stumble and cause sharp pain.

Say it like: ex-pek-toh pa-tro-num

What it does: The Patronus Charm is one of the most famous and powerful defensive charms in the wizarding world. This is a tough spell to master as it can only be evoked via positive energy force, such as joy or hope. The Patronus is a spirit guardian that protects the caster against Dementors.

Say it like: ex-pell-ee-are-muss

What it does: This is a Disarming Spell, a powerful defensive charm used during duels, which disarms or releases whatever the victim is holding at the time.

Say it like: ecks-pul-sow

What it does: The caster can use this curse to produce huge explosions onto his/her victim; it is strong enough to throw people into walls.

What it does: The caster can use this charm to make heavy objects light in weight.

Say it like: fe-roo-lah

What it does: The caster can use this spell to invoke bandage and treat broken bones.

Say it like: fe-an-toe dyou-ree

What it does: When used in combination with Protego Maxima and Repello Inimicum, this charm conjures up an almost un-penetrable protective shield/barrier.

What it does: This is a tough and potent charm that is used to keep a secret inside a person's soul, known as the Secret Keeper. The spell can make that secret, whatever it may be, invisible, intangible, and soundproof.

What it does: This curse is infused with dark magic where the caster bewitches flames to seek the victim.

Say it like: fi-nee-tay in-can-tah-tem

What it does: This counter-spell is used in duels where the caster can negate the effects of many spells.

What it does: The caster can use this charm to produce a large ring of fire around himself/herself. As the wand moves, the ring of flame will also move in the same direction.

What it does: The caster can place this curse on objects so that when someone touches the object, it will emit scorching heat.

Say it like: fla-gra-tay

What it does: The caster can use this charm to leave red and orange marks in the air, which fade after some time.

What it does: The caster can use this charm to alter the effects of a fire, so instead of the fire burning him/her, it will feel like a warm summer breeze.

Say it like: fur-nun-kyoo-lus

What it does: This is a Pimple Jinx, and as the name suggests, the caster can make boils to appear on the victim's skin.

What it does: As the name suggests, the caster can use the spell to produce fur all over his/her victim's body.

Say it like: juh-me-nee-oh

What it does: This is a Gemino or Doubling Curse where the caster uses it to create a replica (duplicate) of any object repeatedly once touched.

Say it like: gliss-ee-oh

What it does: The caster can use this charm to flatten a staircase into a smooth slide or ramp.

What it does: When the caster uses this charm, he/she can hold an object properly.

What it does: The caster can use this curse to make his/her victim lose their hair.

What it does: The caster can use the charm to make his/her victim's hair thick.

Say it like: har-moh-nee-ah neck-ta-ray pass-us

What it does: As the caster uses the spell, he/she can transport objects, animals, and people from one place to another.

What it does: Hermione Granger placed this curse on the piece of parchment signed by the D.A. members to safeguard themsevles against traitors within the Army. Whoever betrayed the Army would get boils on his/her face which would read "SNEAK".

Say it like: ho-min-uhm re-vee-le-oh

What it does: The caster can use this charm to reveal if there are any humans nearby.

What it does: The caster can transform an Animagus or certain object to assume the human or original shape, respectively.

What it does: The caster can make the broomstick stop with ease.

What it does: This is a powerful curse where a dark wizard or witch can hide his/her soul in any object or living thing so that he/she can attain immortality.

What it does: The caster can release hot air from his/her wand.

What it does: A variation to Wingardium Leviosa charm, the caster can use it to hover any object in the air for a short while.

What it does: By using this hex, the caster can make a broomstick vibrate vigorously in the air while trying to buck the rider off.

Say it like: ee-moh-byoo-lus

What it does: This is a Freezing Charm where the caster can freeze any object or living thing.

Say it like: im-peh-da-men-ta

What it does: By using this jinx, the caster can slow down, freeze, bind, and knock back a target coming his/her way.

Say it like: im-pee-ree-oh

What it does: One of the three unforgivable curses, the caster can control the victim and make him/her obey every command.

What it does: The caster can use this charm to make objects impenetrable.

Say it like: im-pur-vee-us

What it does: The caster can use this charm to make objects repel forces, such as water.

Say it like: in-kar-ser-us

What it does: When the caster uses this spell, he/she can bind the victim with ropes.

Say it like: in-sen-dee-o

What it does: This is a Fire-making Spell where the caster can produce fire from the wand.

What it does: This spell is used by the caster to sound an alarm when an intruder is detected.

What it does: The caster can use this jinx to affect the victim's thinking process.

What it does: The caster can use this spell to transform the victim's fingers into jelly, which makes it impossible for him/her to hold or grasp objects.

What it does: The caster can use this jinx to make the victim's legs temporarily useless; so, he/she will instead wobble around when trying to walk properly.

What it does: When using this hex, the caster can turn the victim's knees in the opposite direction.

Say it like: la-car-num in-fla-ma-ray

What it does: The caster can send out a ball of fire from his/her wand.

Say it like: lan-glok

What it does: The caster of this jinx can glue the victim's tongue to the roof of his/her mouth.

Say it like: leh-jee-lee-men-see

What it does: The caster can use this spell to dig through the victim's mind and see his/her memories, thoughts, and emotions.

Say it like: lee-vi-cor-puss

What it does: The caster can use this jinx to dangle the victim upside-down by the ankles.

Say it like: li-be-ra-cor-puss

What it does: It is a counter-curse to Levicorpus created by Professor Snape.

Say it like: lo-koh-moh-tor

What it does: The caster can use this charm to lift an object or person off the ground, and move the target in any direction he/she wants.

Say it like: lo-koh-moh-tor mor-tiss

What it does: This is a Leg-Locking Curse where the caster can bind the victim's legs together.

Say it like: loo-mos

What it does: The caster uses this charm to create a small beam of light to emit from the tip of the wand; like a flashlight.

Say it like: loo-mos ma-xee-ma

What it does: It produces a brighter light from the tip of the wand.

Say it like: loo-mos sow-lem

What it does: The caster can use this charm to create a beam of bright light to emit from the tip the wand.

Say it like: me-tee-oh-loh-jinks ree-kan-toh

What it does: The spell makes weather effects caused by incantations to stop.

Say it like: mo-bil-ee-are-bus

What it does: The caster can use the charm to lift an object off the ground and levitate it wherever he/she points the wand.

Say it like: mo-bil-ee-core-puss

What it does: The caster can use the charm to lift bodies off the ground and levitate it wherever he/she points the wand.

Say it like: morz-mor-dray

What it does: This spell conjures Voldemort's mark.

Say it like: muff-lee-aa-toe

What it does: The caster of this spell can keep the targeted people from hearing nearby conversations.

Say it like: nocks

What it does: The caster of this spell can turn off lights that are produced by using Lumos.

What it does: The caster of the spell can remove things he/she doesn't wish to see again, such as footprints.

Say it like: ock-you-liss reh-pah-row

What it does: By using this spell, the caster can repair/mend any broken objects.

Say it like: ob-lee-vee-ate

What it does: This is a Memory Charm where the caster can it use to erase the victim's memories.

Say it like: ob-skyoo-row

What it does: The caster of this spell can obstruct the victim's view by producing a blindfold over his/her eyes.

Say it like: oh-pug-noh

What it does: The caster can use this jinx to make objects attack his/her victim.

Say it like: or-key-dee-us

What it does: The caster can use the spell to conjure a bouquet of flowers from the tip of the wand.

Say it like: pak

What it does: The spell is used to pack a trunk or any kind of luggage.

What it does: The charm is an item created and sold by the Weasley Brothers, Fred and George, where the victim would have realistic daydreams for thirty minutes.

Say it like: par-tus tem-po-russ

What it does: The caster can use this charm to temporarily make a partition (create a gap) to wherever he/she points the wand.

Say it like: puh-ree-kyoo-lum

What it does: Similar to a flare gun, this spell shoots out red sparks from the caster's wand to wherever he/she aims.

What it does: This charm is used by the caster to make any object stay put in one place forever.

Say it like: pes-key-pix-ee pes-ter-no-mee

What it does: The caster can use this spell to capture pixies.

Say it like: pet-ree-fee-cuss to-tah-luss

What it does: This is a full-body-bind curse where the victim's body is temporarily bound in an attention position.

Say it like: pee-air-toh-tum lo-koh-moh-tor

What it does: This charm is used by the caster to bring artifacts statues and suits of armor to life, and follow the command of the caster.

What it does: When the spell is used, the caster's wand acts like a compass and directs him/her north with the wand.

Say it like: pore-tuss

What it does: This charm can transform any object into a Portkey.

Say it like: prio-ree in-can-tah-toh

What it does: When the caster uses this spell, a shadow or image of the last spell cast by the wand is brought out.

What it does: The caster of the charm can make copies of an object that won't affect the original object.

Say it like: pro-tay-go

What it does: This is a Shield Charm where the caster can make a barrier to keep out his/her enemies and their spells.

Say it like: pro-tay-go ho-ree-bee-lis

What it does: This is a stronger version of the Shield Charm where the caster can protect a large area from dark magic.

Say it like: pro-tay-go mak-see-ma

What it does: This is a Shield Charm which is cast together with Fianto Duri and Repello Inimicum. The caster conjures up an almost unattackable protective shield/barrier.

Say it like: pro-tay-go toh-ta-luhm

What it does: This is a Protective Charm where the caster can keep himself/herself safe in an area.

What it does: When the charm is cast, the wand emits purple firecrackers to burst out from the tip.

What it does: This hex causes yellowish goo to squirt out on top of the victim's nose.

Say it like: kwiy-uh-tuss

What it does: This is a counter-spell to Sonorus where it can make a magically-magnified voice turn normal.

Say it like: ree-do-see-oh

What it does: This is a Shrinking Charm where the caster can reduce the size of any target; it is a counter-spell for Engorgio.

Say it like: re-duck-toh

What it does: This is a Reductor Curse where the caster can blast any solid objects into small pieces or turn it into a pile of ashes.

What it does: By using this spell, the caster can refill any container with the drink that was originally present in it.

Say it like: re-lash-ee-oh

What it does: When the caster uses this jinx, any object or living thing can be released from the force that is holding on to it.

Say it like: ree-nur-vayt

What it does: This is a Reviving Spell where the caster can wake anyone up his/her wand is pointed at.

Say it like: re-pah-roh

What it does: This is a Mending Charm by which the caster can mend broken objects to its original state.

Say it like: ree-pell-oh mug-guhl-tum

What it does: The caster can use this Muggle-Repelling Charm to keep out Muggles from a particular area.

Say it like: ree-pell-oh ee-nee-mee-cum

What it does: This is a Shield Charm which is cast together with Fianto Duri and Protego Maxima. The caster conjures up an almost unattackable protective shield/barrier.

Say it like: ric-tuh-sem-pra

What it does: This is a Tickling Charm which causes the victim to break down with laughter.

Say it like: ree-dih-kyu-lus

What it does: This spell is used while dueling with a Boggart as it forces it to take the shape of whichever object or living thing the caster focuses on.

What it does: By using this spell, the caster make a rowboat propel itself.

Say it like: sal-vee-oh heck-see-ah

What it does: This is a Protective Spell which protects the caster against hexes.

Say it like: skur-jee-fy

What it does: This spell is used to clean something.

Say it like: sek-tum-sem-pra

What it does: This curse was invented by Professor Snape in his childhood. By using it, the caster can violently wound the victim as if he/she was slashed by a sword.

What it does: The caster can use this spell to smash windows and create huge explosions.

Say it like: ser-pen-sor-tee-uh

What it does: This is a Snake-summoning Spell where the caster can conjure a snake from the tip of the wand.

Say it like: si-len-see-oh

What it does: This is a Silencing Charm where the caster can make the victim temporarily mute.

Say it like: slug-you-lus ee-ruck-toe

What it does: This is a Slug-vomiting Charm where the caster can make the victim burp up slugs after every few minutes.

Say it like: sow-noh-russ

What it does: This charm is used to amplify a sound or voice.

Say it like: spes-ee-aa-lis ree-vel-ee-oh

What it does: A caster can use this spell to properly identify all the ingredients in a particular potion.

What it does: This spell helps the caster detect people who are disguising themselves with magic.

What it does: This is a dark charm where the caster can use it to sting the victim's flesh, which causes it to swell.

Say it like: stew-puh-fy

What it does: This is a Stunning Spell where the caster can make the victim unconscious or prevent objects from moving.

What it does: This is a self-inflicting charm where the caster uses it onto himself/herself; it helps enhance the caster's sense.

What it does: As the name suggests, the caster can switch two objects for one another.

What it does: This powerful curse uses a key word to reveal the speaker's location.

Say it like: ta-ran-ta-leg-ra

What it does: By using this spell, the victim's legs automatically start dancing and he/she is not able to control their movements.

What it does: The spell helps the caster move/transport objects from one place to another.

Say it like: tur-gee-oh

What it does: This is a cleaning spell which comes in handy to siphon liquid off a particular object.

What it does: As the name suggests, the caster can use this curse to prevent the victim from revealing certain information; it temporarily curls the victim's tongue backwards.

What it does: It's a curse that kills the victims.

What it does: This jinx causes the victims to trip and fall over.

What it does: This charm prevents an object from breaking.

What it does: As the name suggests, when a witch or wizard makes an unbreakable vow/oath with another, they can't break it; if either of them do, they die.

What it does: By using this charm, the caster can make anything larger from the inside while magically disguising the effect from the outside.

Say it like: vair-uh vair-toe

What it does: When the caster uses this Transfiguration Spell, an animal can be turned into a water goblet.

Say it like: vi-per-ah ee-vaa-nes-kuh

What it does: This is a counter-spell to Serpensortia where the caster can make the snake vanish into a puff of black smoke.

Say it like: vul-nay-rah sahn-en-toor

What it does: This is a healing spell and a counter-spell to Sectumsempra where the caster can heal wounds inflicted to the victim.

Say it like: wah-dee-wah-see

What it does: The caster can use this spell to launch objects through the air at the victim.

What it does: The caster can use this spell on dirty dishes to wash themselves.

Say it like: wing-gar-dee-yum lay-vee-O-sa

What it does: This is a Levitation Charm used by the caster to make objects levitate/fly.

There you go, Potterheads. We've listed (almost) all the popular spells mentioned in the HP books and movies for you to study and practice, and possibly defeat your enemies. Not only are the Harry Potter books and movies incredibly well-written and entertaining, respectively, J.K. Rowling has empowered them with plenty of life lessons too.