'animallike' originates from English, specifically the word 'animal' plus the suffix '-like,' where '-like' meant 'similar to; having the quality of' and Latin 'anima' (root of 'animal') meant 'breath; soul; living being.'

'animallike' changed from earlier formations combining Middle English/Old French-derived 'animal' with Old English '-líc' (modern '-like') and has appeared as 'animal-like' (hyphenated); it eventually became the modern English word 'animallike' in closed form in some uses.

Initially, it meant 'resembling an animal,' and over time it also developed a figurative sense of 'brutish or uncivilized.'