GlossaryIntermediate

Validator

A participant who helps confirm transactions and produce blocks in a proof-of-stake network.

A validator is a participant in a proof-of-stake network who stakes cryptocurrency and, in return, is given the responsibility of confirming transactions and helping produce new blocks.

Validators can generally earn rewards for honest participation, but may also face penalties, including slashing, for provable misbehavior or extended downtime. See Kaavon's "Slashing" and "Validator Set" glossary definitions for that penalty and the broader group a validator belongs to.

Examples

Ethereum validators must stake ETH to participate in proposing and attesting to blocks.
A validator that goes offline for an extended period may face reduced rewards or penalties.