Crypto glossary
Validator
A validator is a participant in a proof-of-stake blockchain that locks up tokens as collateral to propose and confirm new blocks in return for rewards.
Validators run software that checks transactions, proposes blocks when selected and votes, or attests, on blocks proposed by others. In exchange they receive newly issued tokens and transaction fees. On Ethereum, activating a validator requires 32 ETH; since the Pectra upgrade of May 2025, a single validator can hold up to 2,048 ETH.
The stake works as a security deposit. If a validator double-signs or tries to attack the chain, part of its stake is slashed, and validators that go offline lose small amounts of rewards. This economic penalty replaces the energy cost that secures proof-of-work networks.
Many holders delegate to professional operators or staking pools rather than run validators themselves. A high concentration of stake in a few operators or exchanges is a recurring centralization concern for networks such as Ethereum and Solana.
Example
A home staker who deposits 32 ETH and keeps the node online earns validator rewards, but would lose part of that ETH if the machine signed two conflicting blocks.
Related terms
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