shock absorber

noun

, Machinery.

1. a device for damping sudden and rapid motion, as the recoil of a spring-mounted object from shock.

shock absorber

noun

1. any device designed to absorb mechanical shock, esp one fitted to a motor vehicle to damp the recoil of the suspension springs

Word History and Origins

Origin of shock absorber¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Even rigid robots rely on some soft components, such as foot pads that serve as shock absorbers or flexible springs to store and release energy.

From Ars Technica

Those disks act as shock absorbers between the bones in the spine and a herniation happens when a piece of those disks breaks through its casing and irritates nerves in the area.

From Washington Post

Joblessness is exacerbated by the use of the informal sector as a shock absorber.

From Quartz

Cars with electronically adjustable shock absorbers can also change the ride and handling characteristics in different drive modes.

From Popular-Science

Instead, it becomes a shock absorber, leaving the springing action to your joints and tissues and potentially leading to injury.

From Popular-Science

But Betty thought that she would not enjoy being a shock absorber and felt none too comfortable.

From Project Gutenberg

I need you as a shock absorber, said Lucia in a low tone, a half smile twisting her lips, and Betty made a low response.

From Project Gutenberg

The blind adult soon realizes that "humor is a shock absorber," and that "mirth is the soul's best medicine."

From Project Gutenberg

I was not with them when they discovered the first clewI think it was a shock absorber; was it not, Walter?

From Project Gutenberg

The searcher for thrills or the touring shock absorber will find nothing in London to rattle his psychic slats.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• suspension system