Can you charge a battery into not working?

Question

My boyfriend tells me that keeping basic electronics such as phones, cell phones, electric screwdrivers, or anything that takes a charge can be overcharged to where it doesn't work any more. Is this true or is it simply the product's battery failing? I'm not trying to prove him wrong or anything - I've just never heard of this before.

Answer 1

Yes it can, if you leave it overnight or too long it has a full charge and the extra charge just burns out the battery.

Answer 2

I have never heard of this either. I would think it would simply be the battery gradually losing its charge.