DefineDeFiWeb3 Glossary

Timelock

A mandatory waiting period before changes take effect. Gives users time to react to proposals they don't like.

Example

Compound waiting 48 hours before any governance change goes live, letting users withdraw if they disagree.

Related Terms

Advanced Concepts

βš™οΈHow It Works

  1. 1

    Proposal Passes

    Governance vote approves a change

  2. 2

    Timelock Starts

    Change is queued, waiting period begins

  3. 3

    Users React

    Users can withdraw funds if they disagree

  4. 4

    Execution

    After delay, the change is implemented

πŸ“ŠKey Numbers

24-48 hours
Short Timelock
for minor changes
2-7 days
Standard Timelock
for most protocols
30+ days
Long Timelock
for major changes
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