Curse-to-kill

Curse-to-kill is a general concept in the theory of magical self-defence (the magical equvalent of "shooting to kill") where the spell cast against an enemy with the specific intention of causing fatal injury.

History
By 1926, the Magical Congress of the United States of America had enacted a "curse-to-kill" policy on magical creatures that were considered a security risk in regard to the International Statute of Wizarding Secrecy.

Appearance
Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them (2018 edition, foreword)