The concept of oxidative stress, introduced in 1985, has become a central theme in redox biology and medicine. It refers to the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, leading to cellular damage. While the term has broad applications, its misuse is a concern, as it can be applied indiscriminately without clear relation to redox chemistry. Antioxidant enzymes, not small-molecule compounds, play the major role in defense. Oxidative stress research spans multiple disciplines, including chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and medicine. The term 'oxidative stress' has both merits and pitfalls. It highlights the importance of redox balance and the biological stress response. However, it can lead to overuse and misinterpretation. For instance, simply exposing cells to 'oxidative stress' is misleading; the specific molecular condition causing redox imbalance is crucial. The term 'ROS' (reactive oxygen species) should be used with care, as it is a generic term and the specific oxidant should be mentioned when known. The concept of oxidative stress has evolved to include redox signaling, which is essential for cellular regulation. Molecular redox switches, such as phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, play a key role in signaling pathways. Master switch systems, like OxyR, NF-κB, and Nrf2/Keap1, are important in cellular responses to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is linked to inflammation and disease, including diabetes. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress is crucial for developing targeted therapies. Advances in redox proteomics and imaging have enhanced our understanding of redox processes in cells and organisms. The concept of oxidative stress is closely tied to cellular energy balance and redox compartmentalization. Despite its importance, the term should be used with caution to avoid misinterpretation. The future of oxidative stress research lies in understanding its molecular basis and its role in health and disease.The concept of oxidative stress, introduced in 1985, has become a central theme in redox biology and medicine. It refers to the imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants, leading to cellular damage. While the term has broad applications, its misuse is a concern, as it can be applied indiscriminately without clear relation to redox chemistry. Antioxidant enzymes, not small-molecule compounds, play the major role in defense. Oxidative stress research spans multiple disciplines, including chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, and medicine. The term 'oxidative stress' has both merits and pitfalls. It highlights the importance of redox balance and the biological stress response. However, it can lead to overuse and misinterpretation. For instance, simply exposing cells to 'oxidative stress' is misleading; the specific molecular condition causing redox imbalance is crucial. The term 'ROS' (reactive oxygen species) should be used with care, as it is a generic term and the specific oxidant should be mentioned when known. The concept of oxidative stress has evolved to include redox signaling, which is essential for cellular regulation. Molecular redox switches, such as phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, play a key role in signaling pathways. Master switch systems, like OxyR, NF-κB, and Nrf2/Keap1, are important in cellular responses to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is linked to inflammation and disease, including diabetes. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of oxidative stress is crucial for developing targeted therapies. Advances in redox proteomics and imaging have enhanced our understanding of redox processes in cells and organisms. The concept of oxidative stress is closely tied to cellular energy balance and redox compartmentalization. Despite its importance, the term should be used with caution to avoid misinterpretation. The future of oxidative stress research lies in understanding its molecular basis and its role in health and disease.