shock absorber

American  

noun

Machinery.

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

---

shock absorber British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of shock absorber

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Potholes can cause damage to shock absorbers and suspension springs, and can also distort wheels.

From BBC

Lennar previously said it was using its margin as a “shock absorber” in a tough market before adjusting its strategy earlier this year.

From Barron's

For retirees, it’s a good idea to have shock absorbers in your portfolio and make sure you aren’t too reliant on one hot stock or sector.

From Barron's

First, China has turned itself into the world’s oil shock absorber.

From Barron's

“In a perfect world,” Velis said, the SRF would be the shock absorber, where you are lending against good collateral to banks at the auction rate.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• suspension system