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.
This includes approaching individual horses with curiosity about their worldview and customs, monitoring the animals’ welfare and giving them opportunities to recover from stressors, and finding ways to honor and express gratitude to them. Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 13 Mar. 2026 To help quiet the chatter, work through any stressors before the lights go out, says Harvey. Clare Marie Schneider, NPR, 7 Mar. 2026 On application, the product feels almost too lightweight to do anything other than protect your skin from normal daily stressors. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2026 And, for many borrowers, simply keeping track of what's owed each month becomes its own financial stressor. Angelica Leicht, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026 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 14 Mar. 2026.

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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