The not-so-magical Latin origins of 'Harry Potter' spells
Put down your wands and open a dictionary.
While we're all still waiting for our Hogwarts letters to arrive, most Harry Potter fans already know several basic spells to help them through the wizarding world.
However, part of a spell's magic is knowing the true meaning behind the incantation -- which all happen to be derivatives of latin words.
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By taking away the magic and whimsy of Harry's world, we can look at each spell from a strictly etymological stand point. Hermione would definitely approve.
Besides, we all have that one friend who is constantly disrupting your enjoyment of the series to discuss Muggle things like science or language.
Consider us that friend.
1. Accio
The commonly used summoning charm literally means “I summon” in Latin. Such a direct translation clearly sounds a lot better than just saying "I summon" in English.
2. Finite Incantatum
This counter spell is a derivative of Latin words, rather than a direct translation. Finite is a Latin imperative plural (a command directed at many people) of the word "finis" or "ad finem," which means "to end." Incantatum is the passive participle of the Latin incanto, which simply means "bewitching." Put them together, it literally means "to end bewitching."
4. Expelliarmus
Broken up into its Latin roots, this spell combines "expello," which means mean “I banish” with "arma," which means “weapons." Naturally, this spell is to disarm your opponent.
5. Lumos
Taken from the Latin word, "lumen," it literally means "light." 'Nuff said.
6. Nox
Nox is the Latin word for "night." Naturally, this is the counter charm to Lumos.
7. Expecto Patronum
Every good wizard must know this spell, especially when Dementors are about. The Latin "patronus" literally means "a protector or influential person." Expecto means "I look" or "I wait." Put them together, and you have "I wait for a protector." To Hogwarts students, their protectors are animals like stags and bunnies.
8. Obliviate
This spell comes from the Medieval Latin, "obliviscor," which means, “I forget.” In case you haven't already guessed, it makes you forget everything.
9. Confundo
Another straightforward spell, confundo is derived from the Latin "confundus," which means "to confound or confuse." Can you guess what it's used for?
10. Petrificus Totalus
This spell that physically petrifies or freezes your opponent is a mix of three words, with three different origins, "petros" meaning “rock or stone” in Greek, "facio" meaning “to make or to do," and "totalis," meaning “whole” in Medieval Latin.
11. Riddikulus
While this spell sounds a lot like the English word "ridiculous," it can also be a derivative of the Latin word "ridiculum," which means "laughable." It's just spelled a little more magically.
12. Stupefy
While this is another spell that sounds exactly like English, it's also derived from the Latin. "stupeo." which means "to be stunned."
13. Sectumsempra
This cruel curse is a combination of two words. Sectum is the passive participle of the Latin verb "seco," which means "severed." Sempra is derived from the Latin word "semper," which means "continuously." Quite literally, it is used to continuously slash at a victim. Gruesome.
14. Imperio
There is not direct word corresponding with "imperio." However, the root "imper" is seen in other Latin words like "impero," which means "I command." Makes sense, since this Unforgivable Curse gives the spell caster total control over their victim.
15. Crucio
The Cruciatus curse literally means "I torture" in Latin. Such a simple spell with disastrous consequences.
16. Avada Kedavra
J.K. Rowling has spoken about the root of this spell. According to Rowling, its root is actually Aramaic and derives from the original "abracadabra," which means "let the thing to be destroyed." In this case, the thing is a person. Scary stuff.
Consider your Harry Potter buzz officially killed.
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Topics Harry Potter
Andrea Romano -- comedy writer, craft enthusiast, lady -- was a Watercooler Reporter. She worked as an intern at Mashable beginning in January 2014. Andrea recently completed her Masters degree in Media Studies and Film from The New School and writes sketch comedy at Upright Citizens Brigade and The People's Improv Theatre. She once watched three Paul Rudd movies in a row on a bicoastal flight and didn't realize it until she landed. She does things like that a lot. Twitter: @theandrearomano
