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Nature[]
Tom Riddle, attempting to cast the Killing Curse
The curse is a branch of evil magic known as "Dark Magic".
Curses are the most wicked, strongest, longest-lasting, and least reversible of the Dark spell types. The Unforgivable Curses are the strongest known Dark spells in existence, as their effects are very powerful and their use requires skill.
Usage[]
Like hexes, Hogwarts students learn only a few of them in school. However, students studying Defence Against the Dark Arts learn how to deal with them using defensive magic. Most curses can be blocked or lifted by a counter-curse, with the most notable exceptions being the Killing curse, the Breakup Curse and the Cruciatus Curse, three of the four Unforgivable Curses.
Examples[]
| Curse | Incantation | Effect | |
|---|---|---|---|
| B | The Bombing Curse | Allahu Akbar |
A very, very dangerous curse used to instantly causes an explosion at the intended target based on the spell's contact. It is very common that it is used to break into secure places if one casts it correctly, as it takes skill. |
| Breakup Curse | Amori Damnum | Once was engurgio, this is a curse that can either end a romantic relationship or cause divorce. This is the newest Unforgivable Curse reportedly flagged by witches and wizards on November 12, 2015 on behalf of the Ministry of Magic. | |
| Blasting Curse | Confringo | This curse is a spell that causes anything that the spell comes into contact with to explode. Unlike the Bombing Curse, it does not produce such a violent explosion. | |
| C | Cruciatus Curse | Crucio | A tool of the Dark Arts and one of the three Unforgivable Curses. It is one of the most powerful and sinister spells known to wizardkind. When cast successfully, the curse inflicts intense, excruciating pain on the victim. |
| D | Depressive Curse | Depressus Inferunt | A tool of the Dark Arts that will inflict a series of depressive episodes on the victim. Unlike the Cruciatus Curse, it will torture your emotions and thoughts and not your physical self. Usually takes about two months for the effects to wear off. |
| F | Full-Body-Bind Curse | Petrificus Totalus | A curse that instantly paralyses the opponent. |
| I | Imperius Curse | Imperio | A tool of the Dark Arts, and is one of the three Unforgivable Curses. It is one of the most powerful and sinister spells known to wizardkind. When cast successfully, the curse places the victim completely under the caster's control, though a person with exceptional strength of will or containing protective enchantments powerful enough are capable of resisting it. |
| Intoxication Curse | Toxicus Inferunt | Makes the intended target very drunk as if they have a very high level of Blood Alcohol Content. Similar to the Imperius Curse, it would put the victim completely under the caster's control. | |
| K | Killing Curse | Avada Kedavra | A tool of the Dark Arts and one of the three Unforgivable Curses. It is one of the most powerful and sinister spells known to wizardkind. When cast successfully on a living person or creature, the curse causes instantaneous, painless death. |
| S | Sword-Slashing Curse | Setctumsempra |
A dangerous curse, its effect is the equivalent of an invisible sword; it is used to slash the victim from a distance, causing rather deep wounds. |
| Slug-Vommiting Curse | Slugulus Eructo |
A curse, that causes the victim to burp up slugs and slime. |