stressor

noun

stress·​or ˈstre-sər  -ˌsȯr 

: 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

Whether supporting a new customer onboarding, supplementing a thin internal team or accelerating program delivery under deadline, companies can take advantage of additional services offered to eliminate internal stressors. —Dan Galorath, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Everyone is stressed about groceries Groceries are one of the most far-reaching financial stressors, affecting the young and old alike, the poll finds. —Linley Sanders, Chicago Tribune, 4 Aug. 2025

Our skin barrier is the frontline defense that protects against environmental stressors, locks in moisture, and helps prevent common concerns like dryness, sensitivity, and hyperpigmentation. —Essence, 31 July 2025

It’s formulated with broad spectrum SPF 30 and non-nano zinc oxide to effectively block UVA and UVB rays while acting as a barrier against environmental stressors like blue light. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 18 July 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for stressor

• dresser
• lesser
• lessor
• presser
• pressor
• aggressor
• assessor
• compressor
• confessor
• depressor
• hairdresser
• necessar

Medical Definition

stressor

noun

stress·​or ˈstres-ər  -ˌȯ(ə)r 

: a stimulus that causes stress

psychological stressors