What spell is used to disarm an opponent?

The story behind the answer

Expelliarmus is the Disarming Charm—it knocks an opponent’s wand (or weapon) out of their hand, ending a duel without causing serious harm. That’s why it’s the correct “disarm” spell. By contrast, Protego is a shield, Reducto blasts objects apart, and Stupefy stuns a target.

Harry Potter famously uses Expelliarmus as his signature move, reflecting his preference for defense and restraint; it even proves decisive in his final duel. Memory tip: hear “Expel-li-ARM-us” as “expel the armament”—it expels your foe’s weapon. Or think “X” for crossing out their wand.