Impediment Jinx

The Impediment Jinx is a jinx which slows or stops an object or individual, effectively immobilising them for a short period of time. When cast with power, however, it can knock the target off their feet. It has sometimes knocked the target over, but not prevented movement. Whether these variations are accidental in the casting of the spell, or the choice of the caster, is unclear.

Known users

 * Antonin Dolohov
 * Dumbledore's Army
 * Harry Potter
 * Hermione Granger
 * James Potter
 * Jugson
 * Madam Hooch
 * Ronald Weasley
 * Colin Creevey Impedimenta.JPG casting this spell on Severus Snape in his teenage.]]

Known Uses

 * James Potter once used this on Severus Snape.
 * Hermione Granger taught Harry Potter this spell to help him in the 1994 Triwizard Tournament. He used it in the Triwizard Maze of the Third Task, against the Acromantula and Blast-Ended Skrewt.
 * The following year, Harry later taught this to Dumbledore's Army as a defensive spell.
 * Madam Hooch used this spell to prevent Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy from colliding at the Quidditch pitch at Hogwarts following the Gryffindor vs. Slytherin Quidditch match in their 5th year. On this occasion it had the opposite effect: Harry was knocked back but not immobilised.
 * This jinx was used by Death Eaters Antonin Dolohov and Jugson against Harry, Hermione, and Neville Longbottom in the Battle of the Department of Mysteries.
 * Harry Potter used the spell against the Inferi in the Horcrux cave.
 * During the Battle of the Astronomy Tower, Harry used this spell to distract Amycus Carrow from attacking Ginny Weasley.
 * When Death Eaters were chasing Harry on brooms in the Battle over Little Whinging, he used this spell to stop one of them.

Etymology
Impedimenta is devised from the Latin word Impedimentum, meaning "a hindrance".

Behind the scenes

 * It is debatable whether the spell is a jinx, or a hex. In Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Order of the Phoenix and Half-Blood Prince, it is called a jinx. In Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, it is referred to as a hex.
 * Impedimenta is a usable spell in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game). Which, in the game, if used rapidly, it will defeat an opponent.

Appearances

 * Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
 * Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (film)
 * Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (video game)
 * Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
 * Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
 * Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
 * Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 (video game)

Notes and references
Impedimenta Estous Samreen Singh 16:42, May 7, 2011 (UTC)