An active device for damping vibration comprises an actuator comprising a magnetically permeable armature and a coil associated with a magnetically permeable yoke sliding along a displacement axis under the effect of a magnetic field generated by a current conveyed by the coil. Displacement of the coil relative to the armature is generated by forces corresponding to magnetic field lines generated by the coil, concentrated in the armature and the yoke, and directed essentially through an airgap situated between the armature and the yoke.