In physics, "overdamped" refers to a system that returns to equilibrium more slowly than in a critically damped system. This occurs when the damping force is greater than the system's natural frequency, causing it to take longer to settle down without oscillating. An example of an overdamped system is a heavy door with a strong hydraulic closer. When pushed, the door moves slowly and steadily back to its closed position, without swinging back and forth. This behavior contrasts with underdamped systems, which oscillate before settling down, and critically damped systems, which return to equilibrium in the shortest time without oscillation.