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shock absorber
noun
: any of several devices for absorbing the energy of sudden impulses or shocks in machinery or structures
Examples of shock absorber in a Sentence
The car needs new shock absorbers.
Recent Examples on the Web
Each robust ride features a roll-cage, comfy sports seats, raised suspension with shock absorbers, under-body protection, and off-road tires.
—Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 25 Apr. 2024
The engineers and designers worked together to give the new Tacoma new seats for the driver and front passenger that ride on a shock absorber system.
—Kristin Shaw, Ars Technica, 18 Dec. 2023
The meniscus is a piece of cartilage in the knee that acts as a shock absorber.
—Eric Andersson, Peoplemag, 15 Mar. 2024
The Ranger Raptor features a 400-hp twin-turbo V6, 33-inch all-terrain tires, locking front and rear diffs and 2.5-inch Fox performance shock absorbers.
—Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press, 21 Mar. 2024
Many of the country’s older buildings have been made more resilient with shock absorbers and steel reinforcements.
—Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 2 Jan. 2024
The foam layers act as shock absorbers which helps to extend the life and durability of the switches.
—Mark Sparrow, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024
The setup also features coil-over shocks, custom control arms, a stabilizer bar, and three-inch-diameter Fox internal bypass shock absorbers.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 18 Jan. 2024
Lots of moving parts: The rear wheel is on an assembly that pivots, with the jarring of bumps cushioned by a shock absorber.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 30 June 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'shock absorber.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1888, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near shock absorber
Cite this Entry
“Shock absorber.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shock%20absorber. Accessed 1 May. 2024.
Kids Definition
shock absorber
noun
: a device for absorbing the energy of sudden shocks in machinery or structures
More from Merriam-Webster on shock absorber
Nglish: Translation of shock absorber for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shock absorber
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