What Is “Slashing” in the Context of a Proof-of-Stake Network?

Slashing is a penalty mechanism in a Proof-of-Stake network designed to deter malicious or negligent validator behavior. If a validator attempts to cheat (e.g. double-signing transactions or attacking the network), a portion of their staked cryptocurrency is confiscated ("slashed") by the protocol.

This mechanism enforces honest behavior and provides the financial security necessary to prevent attacks, as the attacker loses capital.