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

Some of the main stressors included things like time constraints, children’s well-being, and financial strain. — Sarah Bregel, Parents, 15 July 2026

For travelers, the very best islands to visit are idyllic enclaves where time slows and worries disappear, all stressors abandoned on the mainland. — Skyli Alvarez, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026

The welcome ritual that invites you to scrub away stressors from the week prior is centered around products made directly from botanicals grown at the 6-acre, on-site farm. — Jess Feldman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2026

Although Futterman adeptly surveys tennis’s stressors, the shape of the crisis that tennis faces, and its stakes, eludes him. — Josh Levin, The Atlantic, 9 July 2026

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