Search Dictionary
Definition of stressor

stressor

/ˈstrɛs.ɚ/
stres · sor
Plural:stressors
JUMP TO:

stressor Lexical Profile

stressor Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A stimulus, event, or environmental condition that causes physical, biological, or psychological stress in an organism.

Example

"Financial insecurity and long working hours are major stressors for many modern families."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for stressor
Antonyms
View all antonyms for stressor

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'stressor' with 'stress'; a stressor is the external stimulus or condition that causes tension, whereas stress is the internal physiological or emotional response to it.

• Rhymes for stressor

• Nearby Words

stressfully
stressfulness
stressless
stressor
stressy
stretch
stretchability

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1950 by Hungarian-Canadian endocrinologist Hans Selye from 'stress' and the agentive suffix '-or' to distinguish the external causal agent from the physiological state of stress.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Stressor. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/stressor
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.