Damping is the resistance to motion provided by a shock absorber as it compresses (compression damping) and extends (rebound damping). Damping converts suspension motion energy into heat, controlling the rate at which the spring releases stored energy. Properly tuned damping prevents oscillation, controls wheel motion over bumps, and manages chassis transitions during weight transfer. Most performance dampers offer separate adjustment for compression and rebound across high-speed and low-speed shaft velocities.