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

The leaders who succeed long-term understand how indispensable these priorities are and protect them from short-term stressors. — Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 2 Oct. 2026

People handle stressors differently, and there isn’t always a long timeframe during which someone is considering suicide and showing signs. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 28 Sep. 2026

Snoring has quietly become one of the most measurable stressors in modern relationships, and the market for fixes, from $10 nose clips to $400 smart pillows, is racing to catch up. — Lauren Schuster, Charlotte Observer, 24 Sep. 2026

It’s packed with antioxidants to fend off environmental stressors such as pollutants that otherwise cause signs of aging, reduce puffiness (thank you, natural caffeine), and curb excess sebum. — Sarah Han, Allure, 24 Sep. 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