Proof of Stake

idiom

Meaning

A consensus method in which validators stake coins as collateral instead of mining.

Origin

disputed origin

Stake means committing assets as collateral.

Examples

SIMPLE

Ethereum switched to Proof of Stake.

CONTEXTUAL

Under Proof of Stake, validators lock up coins as a deposit instead of running power-hungry miners.

COMPLEX

Proof of Stake replaces raw computation with financial risk: a validator who tries to cheat can have their staked coins destroyed, a penalty known as slashing.

Last updated July 19, 2026