stressor

[stres-er, -awr] / ˈstrɛs ər, -ɔr /

NOUN

something which causes stress

Synonyms

STRONG

aggravation annoyance

WEAK

bellyache headache inconvenience irritant nuisance pain pressure trouble worry

Antonyms

STRONGEST

relaxer

WEAK

convenience pleasure

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Because the chickenpox varicella-zoster virus remains dormant in the nervous system, it is plausible that it is a chronic stressor causing chronic inflammation, says Geldsetzer.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 6, 2025

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

For eight consecutive days, participants reported any daily stressors they experienced within the previous 24 hours and whether each stressor was resolved by the end of the day.

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