The Harry Potter spell name Avada Kedavra was inspired by Aramaic.
J.K. Rowling has explained that the phrase is related to the Aramaic expression “abracadabra.” In the fictional series, Avada Kedavra is the Killing Curse, one of the three Unforgivable Curses. It causes immediate death and is represented by a green flash of light.
The phrase’s history reaches beyond Harry Potter. Abracadabra was used as a purported magical formula in European traditions, while related forms have been discussed in connection with Aramaic words meaning something like “let the thing be destroyed.” Rowling adapted the sound and association rather than presenting a normal modern-language sentence.
The spell is distinct from other Unforgivable Curses: Crucio causes intense pain, while Imperio controls the victim’s actions. That difference is why Avada Kedavra specifically identifies the lethal curse.