Originally Posted by alpac

Not a stupid question actually. Where I came from we call both 'amortisseurs' (shock absorbers) although there are differents.
Let me try to help if I can.
Both serve the same purpose, they both cushion/damp the vibrations of a car’s suspension but the Struts are also an integral part of the suspension. As such a strut not only limits vibration but also hold the suspension together and supports the weight of the vehicle while the shock absorber is just a add on component which only purpose is to dampen/cushion the spring vibrations/bouncing. Without the shock the suspension still works. Without the strut the wheel carrier is not attached to the vehicle body anymore. Therefore a strut is more than only a shock absorber component of a suspension. Struts are used in a McPherson suspension system set up which most modern cars use today for their front axle. Therefore, struts are usually part of the front axle suspension while shocks are usually in the rear.
Hope that helps