# Validator

> A participant in a proof-of-stake network who proposes and confirms new blocks. Earns rewards and can be slashed.

Canonical URL: https://fudfomo.co/glossary/validator
Source: What The Block! Dictionary v1.0 (last updated 2026-04-25), browsable at https://wtb.fudfomo.co.

## Definition

A validator is the proof-of-stake equivalent of a miner. Validators put up a stake of the network's coin as collateral, and in return they take turns proposing and approving new blocks.

Good behaviour is rewarded with regular payouts. Bad behaviour, such as approving conflicting blocks or being offline for long periods, can lead to slashing, where part of the stake is taken away.

## Related terms

- [Staking](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/staking): Locking up your crypto to help run a blockchain. In return, you earn rewards, similar to interest.
- [Proof of Stake](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/proof-of-stake): A way to secure a blockchain using locked-up coins instead of computing power. Used by Ethereum.
- [Consensus](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/consensus): The way a blockchain's computers agree on which transactions are valid and which version of the ledger is correct.
- [Node](https://fudfomo.co/glossary/node): A computer that helps run a blockchain by storing the ledger and checking new transactions.

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