noun
1. : any of several devices for absorbing the energy of sudden impulses or shocks: as
a. : a spring, pneumatic, or hydraulic device used on an automobile in addition to the regular springs to lessen the shocks from unevenness of the road
b. : a spring or damped elastic device interposed between the wheels, floats, or tail skid and the rest of an airplane to secure resiliency in landing and taxiing
2. : something that acts as a buffer especially against disturbing economic forces
the private consumption sector and especially agriculture serve as shock absorbers with reference to labor — Naum Jasny