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.
Without this cognitive translation, day-to-day stressors may dictate overall sense of well-being, or the mix and shifts between positive and negative parts of parenting may make life seem overall incoherent for these fathers. Anthony Vaccaro, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2025 Developing stress tolerance skills and habits should be a key part of everyone’s routine, ensuring you’re equipped to handle both everyday and unexpected stressors. Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2025 Antioxidant-rich vitamins C and E help protect against environmental stressors, keeping lips supple. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 25 Oct. 2025 Fortunately, flight attendants say a little planning and forethought can keep some of these stressors at bay. Sherri Gordon, Parents, 23 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Stressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressor. Accessed 1 Nov. 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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