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.
The overall luxury slowdown has been spurned, in part, by Chinese consumers that have been reluctant to open up their pocketbooks amid economic stressors and other factors. Nicole Hoey, Robb Report, 30 July 2025 Thankfully, your love life will be a wonderful distraction from work stressors when Venus enters Leo the following day. Liz Simmons, StyleCaster, 28 July 2025 Dormancy is a process of conserving energy that grasses use to protect themselves from environmental stressors like extreme heat, cold, and drought. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 22 July 2025 Crashing out can stem from big or small stressors, and are likely to occur in those who do not have developed coping skills, are under a lot of stress, or experience emotional dysregulation (being unable to control and cope with life’s negative events). Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 20 July 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 5 Aug. 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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