stressor

noun

stress·​or ˈstre-sər How to pronounce stressor (audio)
-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 Books seeking to illustrate dynamics like these can come off as tedious: Not another novel about a woman fracturing under complicated stressors! Talya Zax, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2024 Ocelot populations declined in the U.S. due to habitat loss, a lack of habitat connectivity, stressors from climate change like drought and extreme heat and the inability to cross roads or other infrastructure. Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 12 Aug. 2024 When to Start Teaching Emotional Regulation Skills to Kids Helping children cope with stressors and day-to-day emotional fluctuations actually starts when a child is born, explains Rachiit Bhatt, PsyD at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital. Taylor Grothe, Parents, 15 Aug. 2024 What’s getting worse Returning to classrooms also meant going back to stressors like academic pressure, bullying and in-school violence, Ortiz-Schwartz said. Adrianna Rodriguez, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stressor 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'stressor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of stressor was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near stressor

Cite this Entry

“Stressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressor. Accessed 15 Sep. 2024.

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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