'apehood' originates from English, specifically formed from the noun 'ape' plus the suffix '-hood', where the suffix '-hood' ultimately comes from Old English 'hād' meaning 'state, condition'.

'ape' itself comes from Old English 'apa' (via Middle English 'ape'), and the suffix '-hood' comes from Old English 'hād'; these elements combined in Middle to Modern English to form compounds like 'apehood'.

Initially it meant 'the state of being an ape' in a literal sense; over time the term has also been used figuratively to describe ape-like behavior or qualities, though its core literal sense remains understandable.