'fever-inducing' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'fever' and 'inducing'; 'fever' ultimately comes via Old English from Latin 'febris', and 'inducing' derives from Latin 'inducere' (to lead into) through Middle English.

'fever' changed from Latin 'febris' into Old English 'fefer' and eventually became the modern English 'fever'; 'inducere' passed into Old French/Latin-derived forms and Middle English as 'induce', with the present participle forming 'inducing', and these elements combined in Modern English to form the compound adjective 'fever-inducing'.

Initially the components referred specifically to 'fever' (elevated body temperature) and 'leading into' or 'causing'; over time the compound has been used both literally (causing fever) and figuratively (causing intense excitement), broadening its application.