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Validator Slashing

Definition

Validator slashing is a penalty mechanism in Proof-of-Stake blockchains that removes a portion of a validator’s staked assets. This punitive action is triggered when a validator acts maliciously, such as signing conflicting blocks, or fails to uphold network responsibilities, like prolonged offline periods. The purpose of slashing is to deter undesirable behavior and uphold the integrity and security of the network’s consensus process. It serves as a critical economic disincentive for validators to deviate from protocol rules.