Step into the enchanting world of Harry Potter with our comprehensive Harry Potter spells list, designed for fans eager to explore the magic that powers Hogwarts and beyond.
Whether you're a budding wizard looking to master Lumos for a glowing wand tip or curious about the dark power of Avada Kedavra, this 2025 guide covers every spell you need to know.
Spells in the Wizarding World are more than just words—they’re the essence of magic, shaping battles, friendships, and destinies.
Pronunciation: /ˈækɪoʊ/ (AK-ih-oh)
Effect: Summons an object to the caster. Perfect for retrieving lost items!
Pronunciation: /ˌɑːɡwəˈmɛnti/ (AH-gwa-MEN-tee)
Effect: Conjures a jet of clean, drinkable water from the wand.
Pronunciation: /ˌæloʊhəˈmɔːrə/ (AL-oh-huh-MOR-uh)
Effect: Unlocks doors and windows, a favorite for sneaky entries.
Pronunciation: /ˌæpəˈriːsiəm/ (AP-uh-REE-see-um)
Effect: Reveals hidden messages or markings, often used to detect invisible ink.
Pronunciation: /ˈbʌbəl hɛd tʃɑːrm/ (BUB-əl HED CHARM)
Effect: Creates a bubble of air around the head, used for breathing underwater.
Pronunciation: /ˈkeɪvi ɪˈnɪmɪkəm/ (KAY-vee ih-NIM-ih-kum)
Effect: Provides general protection, often used to secure an area against enemies.
Effect: Induces happiness in the target, often used to lift spirits.
Pronunciation: /ˌkɒloʊˈpɔːrtəs/ (KOL-oh-POR-tus)
Effect: Locks doors, sealing them against intruders.
Pronunciation: /dɪˈsɛndoʊ/ (di-SEN-doh)
Effect: Causes an object to move downward, often used to lower items.
Pronunciation: /dɪˈfɪndoʊ/ (di-FIN-doh)
Effect: Cuts or tears objects with precision, like a magical scalpel.
Pronunciation: /ɛnˈɡɔːrdʒioʊ/ (en-GOR-jee-oh)
Effect: Causes rapid growth in the targeted object, making it larger.
Pronunciation: /ɪˈpɪski/ (ih-PIS-kee)
Effect: Heals minor injuries, such as a broken nose or small cuts.
Pronunciation: /ɪˈrɛktoʊ/ (ih-REK-toh)
Effect: Assembles structures, like setting up a tent with ease.
Pronunciation: /ɛkˈspɛktoʊ pəˈtroʊnəm/ (ek-SPEK-toh pə-TROH-nəm)
Effect: Summons a Patronus to repel Dementors, a powerful protective charm.
Pronunciation: /fɪˈniːteɪ ɪŋkænˈtætəm/ (fi-NEE-tay in-kan-TAH-təm)
Effect: Ends ongoing spell effects, useful for stopping charms or jinxes.
Pronunciation: /fləˈɡreɪt/ (flə-GRAYT)
Effect: Creates fiery marks, often used to mark paths or objects.
Pronunciation: /ɪˈmɒbjʊləs/ (im-MOB-yoo-ləs)
Effect: Freezes or immobilizes the target, halting movement.
Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɜːrviəs/ (im-PUR-vee-əs)
Effect: Makes an object repel water and mist, keeping it dry.
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈsɛndioʊ/ (in-SEN-dee-oh)
Effect: Produces fire from the wand, useful for lighting or attacking.
Pronunciation: /ˈluːmɒs/ (LOO-mos)
Effect: Lights the tip of the wand, illuminating dark spaces.
Pronunciation: /ˌmʌfliˈɑːtoʊ/ (MUF-lee-AH-toh)
Effect: Creates a buzzing noise to prevent eavesdropping on conversations.
Pronunciation: /nɒks/ (NOKS)
Effect: Extinguishes the light from Lumos, turning off the wand’s glow.
Effect: Packs a suitcase automatically, used by Tonks to organize luggage.
Pronunciation: /pɔɪnt mi/ (POINT MEE)
Effect: Makes the wand point north, acting as a magical compass.
Pronunciation: /proʊˈteɪɡoʊ/ (pro-TAY-go)
Effect: Creates a protective shield against spells.
Pronunciation: /rɪˈdjuːsioʊ/ (ri-DOO-see-oh)
Effect: Shrinks an object, counter to Engorgio.
Pronunciation: /rɪˈpɑːroʊ/ (ri-PAR-oh)
Effect: Repairs broken objects, like glasses or pottery.
Pronunciation: /ˈskɜːrdʒɪfaɪ/ (SKUR-ji-fy)
Effect: Cleans objects, removing dirt or stains magically.
Pronunciation: /sɪˈlɛnsioʊ/ (si-LEN-see-oh)
Effect: Silences the target, preventing them from making sound.
Pronunciation: /səˈnɔːrəs/ (sə-NOR-əs)
Effect: Amplifies the caster’s voice, like a magical megaphone.
Pronunciation: /ˌspɛʃiˈælɪs rɪˈvɛlioʊ/ (SPESH-ee-AL-is ri-VEL-ee-oh)
Effect: Reveals hidden magical properties in an object.
Pronunciation: /ˈtɜːrdʒioʊ/ (TUR-jee-oh)
Effect: Siphons material, like blood or dust, cleaning the target area.
Pronunciation: /wɪŋˈɡɑːrdiəm ˌlɛviˈoʊsə/ (wing-GAR-dee-um lev-ee-OH-sa)
Effect: Levitates objects, famously used by Hermione to lift a feather.
Pronunciation: /əˈvɑːdə kəˈdɑːvrə/ (uh-VAH-duh kuh-DAH-vruh)
Effect: Instantly kills the target, known as the Killing Curse.
Legal Status: Forbidden, use leads to a life sentence in Azkaban.
Pronunciation: /kruːʃiˈeɪtəs/ (KROO-shee-AY-tus)
Effect: Inflicts unbearable pain, used for torture.
Legal Status: Forbidden, one of the three Unforgivable Curses.
Pronunciation: /ɪmˈpɪəriəs/ (im-PEER-ee-us)
Effect: Controls the target’s actions, stripping free will.
Legal Status: Forbidden, punishable by Azkaban imprisonment.
Pronunciation: /ˌsɛktəmˈsɛmprə/ (SEK-təm-SEM-prə)
Effect: Causes deep, cursed wounds, like an invisible sword.
Legal Status: Dangerous and frowned upon, often associated with dark magic.
Effect: Conjures uncontrollable, destructive flames that can destroy Horcruxes.
Legal Status: Extremely dangerous, often associated with dark magic.
Pronunciation: /dɛnˈsɔːdʒioʊ/ (den-SAW-jee-oh)
Effect: Causes the victim’s teeth to grow unnaturally long.
Pronunciation: /ɪˈbʌbli.oʊ/ (ih-BUB-lee-oh)
Effect: Causes the target to inflate and float, a humorous jinx.
Pronunciation: /ɛnˈtoʊmɔːrfɪs/ (en-TOH-mor-fis)
Effect: Turns the target into an insect, a rare and complex transfiguration.
Pronunciation: /fɜːrˈnʌŋkjʊləs/ (fur-NUNG-kyoo-ləs)
Effect: Covers the target in painful boils.
Pronunciation: /ɪmˌpɛdɪˈmɛntə/ (im-PED-ih-MEN-tə)
Effect: Slows or stops the target, often used to hinder movement.
Pronunciation: /ˌlɛvɪˈkɔːrpəs/ (LEV-ih-KOR-pəs)
Effect: Hoists the target into the air by their ankle.
Pronunciation: /ˌlɪbərəˈkɔːrpəs/ (LIB-ər-ə-KOR-pəs)
Effect: Lowers a target hoisted by Levicorpus, countering its effect.
Pronunciation: /pəˈtrɪfɪkəs toʊˈtæləs/ (pə-TRIF-ih-kəs toh-TAL-əs)
Effect: Paralyzes the target, locking their body in place.
Pronunciation: /ˌrɪktəˈsɛmprə/ (RIK-tə-SEM-prə)
Effect: Tickles the target uncontrollably, often used playfully.
Pronunciation: /ˈstuːpɪfaɪ/ (STOO-pih-fy)
Effect: Stuns the target, rendering them unconscious temporarily.
Pronunciation: /ˌtærəntəˈlɛɡrə/ (TAR-ən-tə-LEG-rə)
Effect: Forces the target’s legs to dance uncontrollably.
Pronunciation: /ˌɛvəˈnɛskoʊ/ (EV-ə-NES-koh)
Effect: Vanishes objects, making them disappear completely.
Pronunciation: /dʒɪˈmɪnioʊ/ (ji-MIN-ee-oh)
Effect: Duplicates an object, though copies may be inferior.
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈkɑːrsərəs/ (in-KAR-sər-əs)
Effect: Conjures ropes to bind the target.
Pronunciation: /ˈlæpɪfɔːrz/ (LAP-ih-fors)
Effect: Transfigures an object into a rabbit, a playful transfiguration spell.
Pronunciation: /ɔːrˈkɪdiəs/ (or-KID-ee-əs)
Effect: Conjures a bouquet of flowers, often used for decoration or surprise.
Pronunciation: /ˌpɪərˈtoʊtəm ˌloʊkəˈmoʊtər/ (PEER-toh-təm LOH-kə-MOH-tər)
Effect: Animates statues or suits of armor to fight or move.
Pronunciation: /ˌsɜːrpənˈsɔːrʃiə/ (SUR-pən-SOR-shee-ə)
Effect: Conjures a snake from the wand.
Pronunciation: /ˈspʌndʒɪfaɪ/ (SPUN-ji-fy)
Effect: Softens the target, making it bouncy and safe to land on.
Effect: Swaps two objects, as demonstrated by McGonagall to switch Harry and Ron’s positions.
Pronunciation: /ˌvɛrə ˈvɜːrtoʊ/ (VER-ə VUR-toh)
Effect: Transfigures an animal into a goblet.
Pronunciation: /əˈnæpniːoʊ/ (ə-NAP-nee-oh)
Effect: Clears a blocked airway, used to prevent choking.
Pronunciation: /ˈfɛrjʊlə/ (FER-yoo-lə)
Effect: Conjures a splint or bandage to support injuries.
Pronunciation: /rɪˈnɜːrveɪt/ (ri-NUR-vayt)
Effect: Revives an unconscious person, restoring consciousness.
Pronunciation: /ˈvʌlnərə səˈnɛntər/ (VUL-nər-ə sə-NEN-tər)
Effect: Heals deep wounds, counter to Sectumsempra.
The Harry Potter spells list wouldn’t be complete without spells used in magical duels, where quick thinking and powerful magic determine the victor. One iconic moment is Harry Potter’s final duel against Voldemort, where Expelliarmus (Disarming Charm) proved decisive.
Pronunciation: /ɛkˌspɛliˈɑːrməs/ (ex-PEL-ee-AR-mus)
Effect: Disarms the target, removing their wand, often ending duels peacefully.
Pronunciation: /proʊˈteɪɡoʊ/ (pro-TAY-go)
Effect: Creates a shield to deflect incoming spells, widely used in duels.
Pronunciation: /ˌrɪktəˈsɛmprə/ (RIK-tə-SEM-prə)
Effect: Tickles the opponent into submission, a playful dueling tactic.
Pronunciation: /ˈstuːpɪfaɪ/ (STOO-pih-fy)
Effect: Stuns the target, rendering them unconscious temporarily, a common dueling spell.
Pronunciation: /ɪmˌpɛdɪˈmɛntə/ (im-PED-ih-MEN-tə)
Effect: Slows or stops the target, giving the caster a strategic advantage in duels.
Effect: Creates a barrier impassable by those below a set age, used to protect the Goblet of Fire.
Pronunciation: /əˈrɛstoʊ moʊˈmɛntəm/ (ə-RES-toh moh-MEN-təm)
Effect: Slows or stops an object’s movement, preventing falls or collisions.
Effect: Detects intruders and sounds an alarm, used for security.
Pronunciation: /dɪˈliːtriəs/ (di-LEE-tree-əs)
Effect: Vanishes the image of a spell cast, used with Prior Incantato.
Pronunciation: /dɪˈsɛndiəm/ (di-SEN-dee-əm)
Effect: Opens secret passages, like the one to Hogsmeade.
Pronunciation: /ˌdɪsəˈpɛreɪt/ /ˈæpəreɪt/ (DIS-ə-PAIR-ayt / AP-ə-rayt)
Effect: Enables magical transportation to another location, requiring focus and a clear destination.
Effect: Hides a secret within a Secret Keeper, concealing locations or information.
Pronunciation: /ˌhoʊˈmɛnəm rɪˈvɛlioʊ/ (HOH-men-əm ri-VEL-ee-oh)
Effect: Reveals human presence in an area.
Pronunciation: /mɔːrzˈmɔːrdrə/ (morz-MOR-drə)
Effect: Conjures the Dark Mark, a sign of Death Eaters.
Pronunciation: /oʊˈblɪvieɪt/ (oh-BLIV-ee-ayt)
Effect: Erases memories, often used to protect the wizarding world’s secrecy.
Pronunciation: /ˈpɔːrtəs/ (POR-təs)
Effect: Turns an object into a Portkey for magical transportation.
Pronunciation: /ˌpraɪər ɪŋkænˈtɑːtoʊ/ (PRY-ər in-kan-TAH-toh)
Effect: Reveals the last spell cast by a wand.
Pronunciation: /proʊˈteɪɡoʊ ˈmæksɪmə/ (pro-TAY-go MAK-si-mə)
Effect: A stronger version of Protego, often used in groups for large-scale protection.
Pronunciation: /rɪˈpɛloʊ ˈmʌɡlɪtəm/ (ri-PEL-oh MUG-lit-əm)
Effect: Repels Muggles, keeping them away from magical areas.
Pronunciation: /ˈsælvioʊ ˈhɛksiə/ (SAL-vee-oh HEK-see-ə)
Effect: Protects against hexes, often used in defensive encampments.
Effect: Tracks human movement, often used on maps like the Marauder’s Map.
Pronunciation: /əˈnɪhɪleɪr/ (ə-NIH-hil-ayr)
Effect: Unlocks doors, possibly an early version of Alohomora.
Pronunciation: /ˌæntioʊˈkjuːleɪʃə/ (AN-tee-oh-KYOO-lay-shə)
Effect: Grows antlers on the target, a playful dark charm.
Pronunciation: /əˈsɛndioʊ/ (ə-SEN-dee-oh)
Effect: Propels the caster upward, often used to escape danger.
Pronunciation: /ˈeɪvɪs/ (AY-vis)
Effect: Conjures a flock of birds from the wand.
Pronunciation: /bɒmˈbɑːrdə/ (bom-BAR-də)
Effect: Causes an explosion, often used to break through barriers.
Pronunciation: /kənˈfʌndoʊ/ (kən-FUN-doh)
Effect: Causes confusion in the target, disorienting them.
Pronunciation: /kənˈfrɪŋɡoʊ/ (kən-FRIN-goh)
Effect: Causes explosions, often fiery, on the target.
Pronunciation: /dɪˈfoʊdioʊ/ (di-FOH-dee-oh)
Effect: Digs or gouges material, like rock or earth.
Pronunciation: /dɪˈpriːmoʊ/ (di-PREE-moh)
Effect: Blasts holes in the ground, often used to break through barriers.
Pronunciation: /ˈdjʊəroʊ/ (DYOO-roh)
Effect: Turns an object to stone, hardening it.
Pronunciation: /ˈɡlɪsioʊ/ (GLIS-ee-oh)
Effect: Turns stairs into a slide, often for quick escapes.
Pronunciation: /ˈlæŋlɒk/ (LANG-lok)
Effect: Glues the target’s tongue to the roof of their mouth, preventing speech.
Pronunciation: /lɪˈdʒɪlɪmɛnz/ (li-JIL-ih-menz)
Effect: Allows the caster to read the target’s mind.
Pronunciation: /ˈɒklʊmɛnz/ (OK-loo-menz)
Effect: Protects the mind against Legilimency, blocking mind-reading.
Pronunciation: /əˈpʌɡnoʊ/ (ə-PUG-noh)
Effect: Commands conjured objects, like birds, to attack a target.
Pronunciation: /kwaɪˈiːtəs/ (kwy-EE-təs)
Effect: Reduces amplified sound, counter to Sonorus.
Pronunciation: /rɪˈdʌktoʊ/ (ri-DUK-toh)
Effect: Breaks or disintegrates objects with force.
Pronunciation: /rɪˈlæʃioʊ/ (ri-LASH-ee-oh)
Effect: Releases a jet of sparks or forces release, often used underwater.
Pronunciation: /ˌwɑːdɪˈwɑːsi/ (WAH-di-WAH-see)
Effect: Shoots small objects at a target with force.
Mastering the Harry Potter spells list isn’t just about knowing their effects—you need to say them right! Pronunciation can make or break a spell, as Hermione famously corrected Ron’s “Wingardium Leviosa” in their first year. Here’s a guide to pronouncing some of the most popular spells from our Harry Potter spells list.
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