English Lexicon

Stressor

/ˈstrɛsər/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A stimulus or event that causes stress in an individual.

    "The upcoming exams were a significant stressor for the students."
  2. 2

    A factor that contributes to a person's stress levels, which can be physical, emotional, or environmental.

    "Workplace conflicts can be a major stressor for employees."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'stressor' originated in the mid-20th century, derived from the word 'stress', which has its roots in the Latin 'stringere', meaning 'to draw tight'. The evolution of the term reflects a growing understanding of psychological and physiological responses to various pressures in modern life.

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