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

Aloe and Centella asiatica lend soothing benefits, antioxidant-rich green tea defends against environmental stressors, and ceramides support the skin barrier. — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 20 Aug. 2026

Threat assessment examines the person of concern, the context and trajectory of their behaviour, the stressors and stabilisers around them, their access and capability, and the opportunities for intervention. — Control Risks, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2026

Hoffman said the stressors that parents are enduring in a challenging world have also impacted children. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 18 Aug. 2026

On top of that, the lawn will eventually suffer from stressors such as heat, cold, or traffic wear that can cause it to thin out. — Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 15 Aug. 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