'sweat-inducing' originates from Modern English, specifically the words 'sweat' and 'induce', where 'sweat' comes from Old English 'swǣte' meaning 'perspiration' and 'induce' traces to Latin 'inducere' (with 'in-' meaning 'into' and 'ducere' meaning 'to lead').

'sweat' developed from Old English 'swǣte' (with similar form and meaning); 'induce' entered English via Latin 'inducere' through Old French and Middle English; the compound 'sweat-inducing' is a Modern English formation combining 'sweat' + the present participle 'inducing'.

Initially the components referred mainly to literal causing of perspiration; over time the compound also gained a figurative sense of causing anxiety, stress, or nervousness.