'anthropomorphisation' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'ánthrōpos' and 'morphē', where 'ánthrōpos' meant 'human' and 'morphē' meant 'form', combined with the suffix '-isation' (from French/Latin) meaning 'process or result'.

'anthropomorphisation' developed from Greek components 'ánthrōpos' + 'morphē' into Latin and later French formations (e.g. 'anthropomorphisme'/'-isation') and entered English via the earlier noun 'anthropomorphism' before the '-isation' nominal form became used to indicate the process.

Initially it referred specifically to giving a human form; over time it broadened to mean attributing human characteristics, emotions, or intentions (not only physical form) and is now used in psychology, literature, and everyday speech to describe that process.