Liquidation Engine

Definition ∞ A liquidation engine is an automated system within a decentralized finance protocol that liquidates undercollateralized loans. This smart contract mechanism monitors loan positions and automatically sells collateral when its value drops below a predefined threshold, ensuring lenders can recover their funds. It is a critical component for maintaining the solvency and stability of collateralized lending platforms. The engine operates autonomously based on oracle price feeds.
Context ∞ News about DeFi lending often reports on the performance and efficiency of liquidation engines, especially during periods of high market volatility. The design and parameters of these engines are subject to ongoing scrutiny, as their effectiveness directly impacts user confidence and protocol stability. Optimizations aim to reduce liquidation cascades and ensure fair execution for borrowers.