Library · Crypto, word by word · The basics
What is a validator?
A validator is a participant in a proof-of-stake network that has locked up coins and runs software to check blocks, vote on them and sometimes propose new ones. On Ethereum, activating a validator takes a deposit of 32 ETH.
What it means for you
A validator that goes offline loses small amounts of its stake, and one that breaks the rules, such as proposing two blocks for one slot, can be slashed by up to its whole deposit. If someone else runs a validator for you, their mistakes cost your ETH.
Sources: ethereum.org: Proof-of-stake, ethereum.org: Staking · checked 4 October 2026
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