Refers to a device that absorbs shock or vibration, such as in vehicles or machinery. Also used metaphorically for something that lessens impact or conflict.
The car's shock absorbers broke, making the ride uncomfortable.
He acted as a buffer in the meeting.
Compound of 緩衝 (かんしょう, 'buffering') and 器 (き, 'device'). The word is a modern coinage for mechanical and figurative shock-absorbing devices.