Aresto Momentum (ah-REST-oh mo-MEN-tum) is a spell that slows or stops the movement of an object. Albus Dumbledore used this charm wandlessly to slow Harry Potter's fall during a Quidditch match in 1993, when he was overcome by Dementors. It is taught at Hogwarts in the second years' Charms class, by professor Flitwick. This spell was used by
Kingsley stopping a Death Eater via this spell
Kingsley Shacklebolt on a Death Eater in the Battle of Hogwarts to stop him. Hermione Granger also uses this spell to stop Harry, Ron, Griphook, Bogrod and herself from hitting the ground in Gringotts when they break into the Lestrange Vault.
Etymology
Dumbledore casting wandlessly "Aresto Momentum"
Likely the combination of two words; the Anglo-French arester, meaning "To bring to a stop", and the Latin Momentum, meaning "The force or strength gained whilst moving." Literal translation: "Bring its momentum to a stop."
Known practitioners
See also
- Impediment Jinx (Impedimenta)
Appearances
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (First mentioned)
- Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (film) (First appearance) (First identified as Slowing Charm)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
- Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4 (DS version only)