The Silencing Charm (Silencio) is a charm that renders the victim temporarily mute. It works on both Beasts and Beings. It is taught to fifth-year students at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in Charms. In order for this charm to be most effective, the witch or wizard must move their wand using a sharp jab, rather than a sort of wave, as was attempted by Ron during class.^[1]

Hermione Granger used this spell on Antonin Dolohov during the Battle of the Department of Mysteries to prevent him from alerting the other Death Eaters as to her, Harry Potter, and Neville Longbottom's location. He was not neutralized, however, as he subsequently struck Hermione with a curse nonverbally, however this probably saved her life as the spell was not as powerful non-verbally.^[1]

Voldemort used this on the defenders of Hogwarts twice during the Battle of Hogwarts, but thanks to Harry's sacrificial protection, it didn't hold.

EtymologyEdit

It is suggested that it comes from the English word "silence", the Italian word "silenzio", or the Spanish word "silencio".

Appearances Edit

• Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (First appearance)
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2

Notes and referencesEdit

Charms (class)
Professors: Filius Flitwick
Textbooks: The Standard Book of Spells · Achievements in Charming · Quintessence: A Quest
Charmbook writers and charm developers: Miranda Goshawk · Scarpin · Felix Summerbee · Randolph Keitch · Basil Horton · Mnemone Radford · Elliot Smethwyck · Jarleth Hobart · Delfina Crimp · Orabella Nuttley · Levina Monkstanley · Fred Weasley · George Weasley
Charms studied at Hogwarts: Levitation Charm · Fire-Making Charm · Softening Charm · Skurge · Aresto Momentum · Cheering Charm · Freezing Spell · Seize and Pull Charm · Summoning Charm · Banishing Charm · Silencing Charm · Mending Charm · Reductor Curse · Colour Change Charm · Growth Charm · Water-Making Spell · Locomotion Charm · Vinegar into Wine · Bird-Conjuring Charm