Type: Charm
Pronunciation: rih-dih-KUL-lus
Description: A spell used when fighting a Boggart, "Riddikulus" forces the Boggart to take the appearance of an object the caster is focusing on. Best results can be achieved if the caster is focusing on something humorous, with the desire that laughter will weaken the Boggart.
Seen/Mentioned: First seen in 1993, when taught by Remus Lupin.
Etymology: Latin word ridiculus, "laughable" (but perhaps "absurd" or "silly" in this context).
Notes: The effect of the spell seems to rely primarily on the state of mind of the caster. It doesn't actually change the shape of a boggart into something humorous, but rather whatever the caster is concentrating on at the moment of the casting, as when Neville was thinking of his grandmother's dress. Presumably, Mrs Weasley couldn't take her mind off of her fears for her family, so the Boggart was changed into other members of the family rather than something humorous.
