Proxy
In plain terms
An intermediary server that forwards requests on a client's behalf.
Going deeper
A forward proxy sits between users and the internet to filter, cache, or anonymize outbound traffic. It can enforce policy, hide client identity, and speed repeated requests.
Under the hood
Forward proxies represent clients; reverse proxies represent servers (load balancing, caching, TLS). Transparent proxies require no client config.
Examples
Corporate web proxy, Squid, NGINX reverse proxy, VPN exit nodes.
Think of it like...
Like a personal assistant who makes calls for you: the other party deals with the assistant, not you directly.