negative energyn.
/ˌnɛɡətɪv ˈɛnədʒi/, U.S. /ˈˌnɛɡədɪv ˈɛnərdʒi/ 1. Physics. Energy in a (notional or hypothetical) form that is negative in quantity or magnitude; (in recent use also) spec. such energy associated with exotic matter.
ΚΠ
1807 H. Davy in Philos. Trans. (Royal Soc.) 97 33 The body possessing the positive energy being repelled by positively electrified surfaces, and attracted by negatively electrical surfaces; and the body possessing the negative energy following the contrary order.
1930 Proc. Royal Soc. 1929–30 A. 126 361 An electron with negative energy moves in an external field as though it carries a positive charge.
1991 C. A. Ronan Nat. Hist. Universe 186/1 Such a wormhole would collapse as soon as it was formed unless a special quantum condition prevailed—the creation within it of negative energy.
2000 Sci. Amer. Jan. 33/1 Because energy must be conserved, the production of positive energy—which distant observers see as the Hawking radiation—is accompanied by a flow of negative energy into the [black] hole.
2. In various contexts: a form of energy supposed to be detrimental, discouraging, or unproductive.
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1847 J. Torrey tr. A. Neander Gen. Hist. Christian Relig. & Church II. iv. 115 Where Christ says, ‘I am not come to bring peace on earth, but the sword’, they found the description of that negative energy of the Horus, which separates from one another the godlike and the ungodlike.
1922 Jrnl. Philos. 19 344 For this new concept of relative immovability, or negative energy, Professor Montague proposes the new name anergy.
1981 Washington Post (Nexis) 6 Jan. (Style section) b5 ‘Negative energy’—the kind used to bite fingernails, smoke cigarettes or pace back and forth—‘seems to be a reaction to stress.’
1993 Urb 7 July 13/2 It's up to each of us at the party (rave) to make it happen. Don't put out negative energy and feelings.
This is a new entry (OED Third Edition, September 2003; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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