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.
By 2050, scientists warn, nearly half of the Amazon rain forest could face multiple stressors. Alexandra A Phillips, The Conversation, 13 Oct. 2025 These include identifying specific stressors, breaking large problems into manageable steps, and taking concrete action rather than ruminating on difficulties. Ashley Lutz, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025 To save on precious luggage real estate and remove a stressor when passing through hectic security lines, consider this pack of two small, transparent toiletry bags from Packism. Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025 Among the lowest income households, 64 percent cited grocery prices as a significant stressor, and only two-in-10 of the higher income category—those earning $100,000 or more—said grocery prices were not a concern. Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 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 20 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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