======Disarmed======
=====Spell Information=====
  * **Incantation:** Not applicable. To be disarmed is to be in a state or condition, not to cast a [[spell]]. It is most commonly the result of the [[Disarming Charm]], whose incantation is [[Expelliarmus]].
  * **Pronunciation:** Not applicable.
  * **Wand Movement:** Not applicable.
  * **Light:** Not applicable. The [[Disarming Charm]], however, produces a jet of scarlet light.
  * **Effect:** The state of having one's [[wand]], or other primary weapon, forcibly removed from one's grasp. This renders a [[witch]] or [[wizard]] unable to perform most forms of [[magic]], placing them at a severe tactical disadvantage in a [[duel]] or conflict. A significant secondary effect involves the allegiance of the [[Elder Wand]], which transfers to the [[wizard]] who has disarmed its previous master.
  * **Type:** A state of vulnerability; the result of a [[Charm]], [[Jinx]], or physical action.
=====History and Known Uses=====
Being disarmed is a frequent occurrence in [[wizarding]] duels. Its significance ranges from a simple setback in a controlled environment to a history-altering event.
  * In [[Harry Potter]]'s second year, Professor [[Severus Snape]] disarmed Professor [[Gilderoy Lockhart]] during the first and only meeting of the [[Duelling Club]], demonstrating the effectiveness of the [[Disarming Charm]] to the students.
  * In the [[Shrieking Shack]], [[Harry Potter]], [[Ron Weasley]], and [[Hermione Granger]] simultaneously cast [[Expelliarmus]] to disarm [[Severus Snape]], who was threatening [[Sirius Black]].
  * During the rebirth of [[Lord Voldemort]] in the [[Little Hangleton]] graveyard, Harry used [[Expelliarmus]] against a [[Death Eater]]. [[Voldemort]] mocked this choice, calling it a signature move of Harry's that demonstrated his weakness.
  * Members of [[Dumbledore's Army]] frequently used the [[Disarming Charm]] during the [[Battle of the Department of Mysteries]].
  * The most pivotal instance of disarming occurred atop the [[Astronomy Tower]]. [[Draco Malfoy]] successfully disarmed [[Albus Dumbledore]], unknowingly becoming the master of the [[Elder Wand]] just moments before [[Snape]] killed the [[Hogwarts]] Headmaster.
  * During the [[Battle of the Seven Potters]], [[Harry Potter]] used [[Expelliarmus]] on an Imperiused [[Stan Shunpike]]. This "signature" move allowed the [[Death Eater]]s to identify him as the real Harry.
  * At [[Malfoy Manor]], Harry physically wrestled [[Draco Malfoy]]'s [[wand]] from his hand. This act of disarming, though not magical, was sufficient to transfer the [[Elder Wand]]'s allegiance from Draco to Harry.
  * In the final [[duel]] of the [[Second Wizarding War]], [[Harry Potter]] cast [[Expelliarmus]] against [[Lord Voldemort]]'s [[Avada Kedavra]]. Because Harry was the true master of the [[Elder Wand]], the [[wand]] would not kill him. Instead, the [[Killing Curse]] rebounded from Harry's charm and struck [[Voldemort]], killing him for good.
=====Learning and Counter-Spells=====
The primary method of disarming someone, the [[Disarming Charm]], is taught as part of the standard [[Hogwarts]] curriculum. Students are introduced to it in their second year.
Counter-measures to prevent being disarmed include:
  * **Shielding:** The [[Shield Charm]], [[Protego]], can block an incoming [[Disarming Charm]].
  * **Evasion:** A [[witch]] or [[wizard]] can physically dodge the jet of light from the [[spell]].
  * **Non-Verbal Magic:** A highly skilled [[wizard]] might still be able to perform [[wandless magic]] even after their [[wand]] has been taken.
  * **Physical Recovery:** Simply retrieving one's [[wand]] after it has been knocked away.
It is important to note that merely holding onto a [[wand]] tightly is not an effective defense against being magically disarmed.
=====Etymology=====
The word "disarm" originates from the Old French //desarmer//, meaning "to strip of arms." This is composed of the prefix //des-// (equivalent to the Latin //dis-//), meaning "to do the opposite of," and //armer//, "to arm." In the [[wizarding]] world, the primary "arm" or weapon for a [[witch]] or [[wizard]] is their [[wand]].
=====Behind the Scenes=====
  * [[J.K. Rowling]] has stated that Harry's preference for the [[Disarming Charm]] is a reflection of his moral character. He consistently chooses to incapacitate his opponents rather than harm or kill them, setting him apart from [[Lord Voldemort]] and his [[Death Eater]]s (J.K. Rowling interview).
  * In the film adaptations of the books, the effect of being disarmed by [[Expelliarmus]] is often visually exaggerated. Instead of simply causing the [[wand]] to fly out of the target's hand, it frequently throws the victim backwards with great force, acting as a concussive blast as well as a disarming spell (film).