Slashing
Also known as slashed
Slashing is a penalty in some proof-of-stake networks that destroys part of a validator’s staked tokens when it breaks key protocol rules, such as signing two conflicting blocks. It is designed to make attacks and careless operation costly. Delegators who staked through a slashed validator may share the loss, depending on the network. Slashing is separate from smaller penalties for simply being offline, which some networks also apply.
Related terms
- Validator A proof-of-stake participant that proposes and confirms blocks. Consensus
- Proof of Stake Consensus secured by validators who put tokens at risk. Consensus
- Staking Locking tokens to help secure a network in exchange for rewards. Consensus
- Consensus Mechanism The rules that let a network agree on one version of the ledger. Consensus