Latin translation of unforgivables

[Scott]

Marc wrote:
"a local radio station here in wausau, wi had some Potter trivia for 
a free canvas hat and the question submitted from a listener 
was "what are is the Latin translation of teh 3 unforgivable curses".
 
It had everyone stumped, but one person was close. The only 1 in 
question was the killing curse translation. Does it not mean "let 
the thing be destroyed"? th eanswer was actaully something 
like "disappear like this word"

---

ME: "Crucio" and "Impero" are both first conjugation, present tense 
verbs in the first person. Crucio means "I torture" and the object 
(you) is understood. Impero means "I command" with an understood you 
as well.

But Avada Kedavra is not Latin. It is a corruption of the magical 
phrase Abracadabra which itself (and I'm getting a little help from 
the lexicon at this point) is Aramaic. "adhadda kedhabhra" - "let 
the thing be destroyed". 

Steve-(o' god of the lexicon)'s explanation follows:
 
"NOTE: Abracadabra is a cabbalistic charm in Judaic mythology that 
is supposed to bring healing powers. One of its sources is believed 
to be from Aramaic avada kedavra, another is the Phoenician alphabet 
(a-bra-ca-dabra)."  

I encourage you to visit the lexicon below for better explanations 
etc. 

http://www.i2k.com/~svderark/lexicon/spells.html

Hope this helps!

Scott
And if the radio station said Avada Kedavra was latin then perhaps 
they should be corrected. (on air?)