Slashing
A penalty mechanism that destroys a portion of a validator's staked tokens for misbehavior or downtime.
Explained Simply
Slashing is how Proof of Stake networks punish validators who act maliciously or fail to perform their duties. If a validator double-signs blocks, goes offline for extended periods, or tries to attack the network, a portion of their staked tokens is destroyed. This provides strong economic incentives for honest behavior. When you delegate to a validator, your stake can also be slashed, so choosing a reliable validator matters. Slashing penalties vary by network — Ethereum slashes at least 1/32 of a validator's stake.
Related Tools
Put this knowledge into practice with these tools.
Related Terms
This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.