A Spell refers to a controlled manifestation of magic that affects the world in a supernatural fashion. It is a very broad term that can be used to define any piece of magical occurrence. It varies immensely and includes all kinds of magic ranging from a simple levitation of an object to as dark as the killing curse. These are generally cast by a witch or wizard and are usually produced by a form of incantation. “Casting a spell” or “Spellwork” are the terms associated with the action of performing a spell.
Most of these appear jets of light and because of this, they can miss and be dodged or blocked either by using an object or with another spell. Because of the generic nature of the word spell, it could be the appropriate term to use in almost any circumstance. This term covers charms, enchantments, curses, jinxes, and hexes.
Charm
The word charm is an expression for a spell that adds certain properties to the object or creature it aims towards. There are countless charms used in the whole wizarding world that cover an extensive number of outcomes. Another word generally used as an alternative for charm is enchantment. Though there is no literal difference between the two words, enchantment is used for a charm that has a lasting effect. An object that has been enchanted is called bewitched.
Transfiguration
Transfiguration are the spells that are used to alter the appearance of the object or the whole object. Charms are often confused with transfigurations as transfigurations change the whole object and charms just change some properties of the object.
Jinx
Jinxes are also the darker of charms but not as much as a curse or a hex. Jinxes are mostly performed to cause some minor discomfort to the victim but no harm is intended. These are most of the time amusing to others and irritating to the victim.
Hex
Hex also falls under the category of darker charms but are still not as severe as curses. In order of ascending severity, these dark charms are Jinxes, Hexes, and Curses. It consistently affects the target in a negative manner and causes a major inconvenience to the target.
Curse
A curse is a type of charm that is associated with a negative consequence. Curses are used to perform dark sorts of magic and are the most dangerous. When speaking of curses, our mind automatically goes to the three unforgivable curses: Avada Kedavra, the killing curse; Curcio, the torturing curse; and Imperio, the mind-controlling curse. These three curses are the darkest ones known to the wizardkind but there are many other curses. There are other dark charms that do not fall under curses because a curse is generally more severe.
Other types of spells include
- Counter Spells: Those which are used as an inhibition to another spell.
- Healing Spells: Those which are used to heal any injury to a creature.