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 unease wasn’t tied to one political party either because this poll also found that 80% of Republicans, 79% of Democrats, and 73% of independents rated it as a significant stressor. Topsie Vandenbosch, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024 Busy schedules also can contribute to hidden stressors, leading to more frequent outbursts. Julianna Bragg, CNN, 20 Nov. 2024 Last year, my biggest stressor was whether the person who agreed to bring the mashed potatoes would flake at the last minute. Rebecca Jennings, Vox, 18 Nov. 2024 Like alcohol, politics and social stressors may also be contributing to how fans behave. Felecia Wellington Radel, USA TODAY, 2 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near stressor

Cite this Entry

“Stressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressor. Accessed 30 Nov. 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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