A semiconductor memory, comprising a negative voltage providing unit, which is used for providing a first negative voltage to a word line during a read operation, and comprises: a clamping unit that comprises an input end, a control end and an output end, wherein the input end is coupled to a common ground end of the memory, and the control end is used for receiving a first signal; an energy storage capacitor, a first end of which is coupled to the output end, and a second end that is used for receiving a second signal; and a negative voltage providing end which is coupled to the first end, wherein the clamping unit is used for: pulling the voltage at the output end to the voltage at the input end when the first signal is “0”; and clamping the output end at a clamping voltage when the first signal is “1”.