stressor

American  

[stres-er, -awr] / ˈstrɛs ər, -ɔr /

noun

1. an activity, event, or other stimulus that causes stress.

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stressor British  

/ ˈstrɛsə /

noun

1. an event, experience, etc, that causes stress

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Etymology

Origin of stressor

First recorded in 1950–55; stress + -or ²

Example Sentences

Finances are a stressor; likewise his rather abundant weight and tendency to stress-eat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Still, financial concerns are often a main stressor for near- and current retirees.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 6, 2025

“I almost can’t think of a worse psychological stressor than being bullied by a community that you value.”

From Slate • Nov. 1, 2025

Across all ages, on days when people felt more in control than usual -- for instance, feeling "some" control instead of "a little" -- they were significantly more likely to resolve the stressor.

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2025

But for people such as Rodriguez — a sole breadwinner living in a rent-controlled apartment — it’s just another stressor compounding an already grim financial reality.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2025