negative charge JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ˈnɛɡətɪv tʃɑːrdʒ/ · neg·a·tive charge

noun

A type of electric charge carried by particles such as electrons, characterized by an excess of electrons relative to protons. The balloon acquired a negative charge after being rubbed against the wool sweater.
In chemistry, the net charge on an ion or molecule that has more electrons than protons. Chloride ions in salt water possess a negative charge.

Synonyms

electron charge excess electrons negative polarity anionic charge cathodic charge negative electricity negative ion charge negative static

Antonyms

positive charge protonic charge positive polarity

Did you know? Benjamin Franklin coined the terms ‘positive’ and ‘negative’ for electric charge in the 1750s, but he chose the labels arbitrarily; the electron later turned out to be the carrier of the negative charge.

Related terms

electric charge electron proton coulomb electrostatic ion

Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 15, 2026