Damping refers to the process that reduces the amplitude of vibrations in a system. When an object, like a swing or a musical instrument, vibrates, it can produce sound or movement. However, over time, these vibrations can fade away due to damping, which can occur naturally or be intentionally applied. There are different types of damping, such as viscous damping, where a fluid absorbs energy, and structural damping, where the material itself dissipates energy. Damping is important in engineering and design, as it helps control vibrations in structures like bridges and buildings, ensuring safety and comfort.