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.
While the future is certainly a stressor on the old ways that the Duttons are holding onto for dear life, there’s no denying their biggest threat is Whitfield’s worsening attacks. Hunter Ingram, Variety, 23 Feb. 2025 Although living paycheck to paycheck is a significant financial stressor, having a set payment date makes planning easier and lowers the emotional triggers associated with the uncertainty of money coming in. Alejandra Rojas, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2025 That’s a problem, considering the skin on your body experiences the same environmental stressors as your face. Erin Bunch, SELF, 5 Feb. 2025 As a reminder, the skin barrier is the outermost layer of the skin (also known as the epidermis) that guards against external stressors. Sophia Panych, Allure, 3 Feb. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Stressor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/stressor. Accessed 2 Mar. 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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