What is obliviate?

Obliviate is a spell used in the world of Harry Potter, which erases memories of individuals. The spell is used by wizards and witches to remove specific memories from the minds of individuals without causing any physical harm. In the Harry Potter series, the spell is performed by pointing a wand at the person whose memory needs to be erased and saying the incantation "Obliviate!".

Obliviate is a powerful spell, and its use is closely regulated by the Ministry of Magic. It is classified as a memory charm, and improper use of it can result in severe consequences. The spell can be used to erase a single memory or an entire period of time from an individual's mind, depending on the wizard's skill.

Obliviate has been used by various characters throughout the Harry Potter series, including Hermione Granger and Gilderoy Lockhart. In the Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them series, the spell is used by Newt Scamander to erase the memories of non-wizard individuals who have witnessed magical events.

Overall, Obliviate is a significant spell in the Harry Potter universe, and its use plays an essential role in the plot of several novels.