'sweat-inducer' originates from Modern English as a compound of the noun 'sweat' and the agent noun 'inducer', where 'sweat' referred to bodily perspiration and 'inducer' meant 'one that brings about or causes' (derived from the verb 'induce').

'induce' comes from Latin 'inducere' (in- 'into' + ducere 'to lead'); the agent-forming suffix '-er' (as in 'inducer') is a regular Modern English formation. 'sweat' derives from Old English 'swāt' meaning 'perspiration' and developed into the Modern English 'sweat'. The compound 'sweat-inducer' is formed in Modern English by combining these elements.

Initially, 'sweat' simply designated bodily moisture and 'induce' meant 'to lead or bring about'; over time the combination has been used in Modern English to denote anything that causes perspiration or, figuratively, causes nervousness or stress.