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.
Buying your first home—or second, third, or fourth—comes with its share of stressors. Caitlin Sole, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 Apr. 2025 Set aside 30 minutes each day to talk about external stressors — work challenges, personal frustrations or daily wins. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025 For students in immigrant communities, the threat of ICE raids or detainments adds to an already long list of stressors, such as the risk of school violence or existing personal or familial issues. Rebecca Ragan, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Mar. 2025 Black employees in particular experience weathering due to heightened levels of societal stressors as well as lower levels of belonging in the workplace. Janice Gassam Asare, Forbes, 24 Mar. 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Stressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressor. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

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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