stressor

noun

stress·​or ˈstre-sər How to pronounce stressor (audio) -ˌsȯr How to pronounce stressor (audio)
: a stimulus that causes stress

Examples of stressor in a Sentence

Credit card debt is a major stressor in her life.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Among the lowest income households, 64 percent cited grocery prices as a significant stressor. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Sep. 2025 Two-thirds said their roles are more stressful than five years ago, and 63% named the complexity of today’s landscape as the top stressor. Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 29 Sep. 2025 To that end, finding freedom in releasing the stressors associated with my hair feels like a revolutionary act. Iyana Robertson, Essence, 24 Sep. 2025 In recent months, farmers have cited depressed commodity prices, high input costs and a weak export market as pressing economic stressors going into the harvest season. Cristina Larue, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stressor

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stressor was in 1950

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressor. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

Medical Definition

stressor

noun
stress·​or ˈstres-ər How to pronounce stressor (audio) -ˌȯ(ə)r How to pronounce stressor (audio)
: a stimulus that causes stress
psychological stressors
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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