'ambushlike' originates from the word 'ambush', which comes from the Old French 'embusche', meaning 'to place in hiding'. The suffix '-like' is used to form adjectives indicating resemblance.

'ambush' changed from the Old French word 'embusche' and eventually became the modern English word 'ambush'. The addition of '-like' forms the adjective 'ambushlike'.

Initially, 'ambush' meant 'to place in hiding', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a surprise attack'. 'Ambushlike' retains the sense of resembling such a surprise attack.