The primary purpose of a parachute is to slow down the descent of a person or object falling from a height, allowing for a safe landing. Parachutes achieve this by creating drag or air resistance as they deploy, which counteracts the force of gravity. They are commonly used in skydiving, military operations, and emergency ejection systems in aircraft. Well-designed parachutes ensure stability during descent and help control the landing trajectory, minimizing the risk of injury during ground impact.