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

But the biggest stressor for her right now is finding and keeping staff, a situation that's also rooted in affordability. — Ayesha Rascoe, NPR, 1 Nov. 2026

Known for its ability to protect against UVA and UVB rays, the ingredient pairs a few other filters with the brand’s Cell-Ox Shield technology, which provides antioxidant protection against environmental stressors. — Kiana Murden, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026

The practical starting point is identifying the biggest stressors. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026

In nearly all of the 50 attacks the Secret Service examined the attacker experienced some kind of stressor, according to the report. — ABC News, 21 Oct. 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