Definition
Proof of stake is a family of consensus mechanisms in which participants commit an asset as stake to help determine who proposes or attests to blocks and how dishonest behavior is discouraged. Ethereum uses a proof-of-stake design with validators, rewards, penalties, and specific finality rules. Other networks can use materially different selection methods and enforcement mechanisms, so the label does not identify one universal protocol. Unlike proof of work, participation is not based primarily on winning a repeated hashing competition. Stake concentration, validator availability, client diversity, and the consequences of conflicting messages can affect security. Delegating through a service may also introduce custody or contract risks beyond the underlying consensus rules. Holding a token is not automatically the same as operating a validator. The actual process for committing stake, performing duties, earning rewards, and withdrawing depends on the network and participation arrangement.
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