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 Still, a treehouse needs to remain in position — builders like Kobayashi rely on what are known as tree attachment bolts and dynamic uplift arrestors that penetrate the wood without splitting it and, more important, allow some flex, like small shock absorbers. Tom Vanderbilt Josh Robenstone, New York Times, 20 Oct. 2023 As a result, small wheel movements that were lost in the bushings before reaching the shock absorbers on the C4 are fully damped on the C5. Jim Frenak, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023 Hardwood is the most traditional shaft material and is an excellent shock absorber. Pamela Porter, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Aug. 2023 Chondroitin sulfate acts as a shock absorber within the joints, reducing friction and improving overall joint function. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2023 Rear Suspension, Rear View: On the C4, the rear shock absorbers bolted to the upper trailing link that was attached to the suspension using soft bushings. Jim Frenak, Car and Driver, 7 Sep. 2023 The discs serve as shock absorbers, allowing for flexibility and movement of the spine. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 25 June 2023 Its inclusion in this test was based on the enhancement of its touring suspension to include adjustable shock absorbers. Brock Yates, Car and Driver, 8 June 2023 The report said a fastener securing the rear shock absorber may break and allow the rear shock absorber adjuster to damage the rear tire, causing a loss of tire pressure. Claire Reid, Journal Sentinel, 2 Sep. 2023 See More

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of shock absorber was in 1888

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 2 Dec. 2023.

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

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