Impediment Jinx

"Swift use of this jinx can freeze an attacker for a few moments, or stop a magical beast in its tracks. The jinx is a vital part of any duellist’s arsenal."

- Book of Spells by Miranda Goshawk

The Impediment Jinx (Impedimenta ), also known as the Impediment Hex is a jinx that slows the target.

Effects
It is only temporary, lasting about ten seconds. Although it is capable of freezing a wasp in mid-air, it is ineffective against lethifolds. It was also ineffective against Acromantula (or some variant of giant spider, anyway) and Blast-Ended Skrewts unless it happens to hit them on their underbellies, which have no protective armour.

The jinx will usually simply immobilise a target, it can also be used to push or throw a target backward simply decrease the velocity of the victim's movement , or can even levitate them.

Known uses
"I like the look of this one, this Impediment Jinx. Should slow down anything that’s trying to attack you, Harry. We’ll start with that one."

- Hermione Granger helping Harry Potter learn the jinx

Known practitioners

 * Jugson

Etymology
The incantation "Impedimenta" is derived from the Latin word "impedimentum", meaning "a hindrance".

Behind the scenes
In the film version of Order of the Phoenix, James Potter used this spell to levitate Severus Snape and dangle him in the air, while in the book, he used Levicorpus.

Notes and references
Impedimenta Impedimenta Estous Impedimento