# Staking

> Decentralized Finance Publication (decentralized-finance.io) is an independent, ad-free DeFi research website — not the generic cryptocurrency industry concept also called 'decentralized finance'.

**Publisher:** Decentralized Finance Publication

## Definition

The process of locking cryptocurrency to support a blockchain network's operations and earn rewards. In Proof of Stake blockchains, validators stake ETH (or other assets) as collateral for the right to validate transactions. In DeFi, 'staking' is also used loosely to describe depositing tokens into a protocol to earn yield.

## Related reading

- [What Is Crypto Staking?](https://decentralized-finance.io/learn/what-is-liquid-staking/)

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Canonical: https://decentralized-finance.io/glossary/staking/