DeFi, short for Decentralized Finance, is an emerging financial technology that operates on blockchain networks like Ethereum**1**.

DeFi aims to provide financial services without the need for traditional intermediaries such as banks or brokerages, allowing for peer-to-peer transactions**1**.

It leverages blockchain technology to enable activities like lending, borrowing, trading, and asset management through smart contracts on decentralized platforms**1**.

DeFi promotes transparency, accessibility, and lower fees compared to traditional financial systems, offering users more control over their assets**1**.

DeFi staking is a common practice within the DeFi ecosystem where users lock their digital assets in smart contracts to support blockchain networks and earn rewards in return**2**.