'ankush' originates from Sanskrit, specifically the word 'aṅkuśa', where 'aṅkuśa' meant 'goad' or 'hook.'

'aṅkuśa' passed into Prakrit and various North Indian languages (e.g. Sanskrit aṅkuśa → Hindi ankush/ankusha) and then entered English (chiefly via Hindi/Urdu) as 'ankush' or 'ankusha'.

Initially it meant 'hook' or 'elephant-goad' in Sanskrit, and it has retained the same basic meaning in modern usage as a specific goad or, figuratively, an urging instrument.