# Proof of Stake (PoS)

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**Publisher:** Decentralized Finance Publication

## Definition

A consensus mechanism in which validators are chosen to create blocks in proportion to the cryptocurrency they have 'staked' (locked as collateral). Ethereum uses PoS since 'The Merge' in September 2022. Validators earn staking rewards for honest participation and risk having their stake 'slashed' for dishonest behaviour.

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Canonical: https://decentralized-finance.io/glossary/proof-of-stake-pos/