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.
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 Skin-loving ingredients like vitamin C and green tea extract help soothe skin and protect against environmental stressors, while the talc-, paraben-, phthalate-, and sulfate-free formula is designed to be gentle on sensitive and post-treatment skin. — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2026 This individual asset is often referred to as zest, and it can be purposefully developed to assist us in managing daily stressors as well as creating meaningful lives. — Joan M. Cook, Time, 17 Oct. 2026 But other economists say consumers are already contending with a host of stressors that stand to weaken their position. — Rob Wile, NBC news, 15 Oct. 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

Rhymes for stressor

See All Rhymes for stressor

Browse Nearby Words

stress-meter
stressor
stress-rhythm
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressor. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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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
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