![Crypto Terms Glossary: What is Slashing? Crypto Terms Glossary: What is Slashing?](/img/40/1304/what-is-slashing-sm.webp)
Slashing is a process typically employed automatically by blockchain protocols that make use of a Proof-of-Stake (PoS) or related consensus mechanism. If an investor deposits or stakes their crypto assets inside a main network validator node and the node behaves in a dishonest or malicious manner, the crypto depositor can be penalized, resulting in a loss of a portion of the initial investment.