'aphorize' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'aphorizein' (from 'aphorismos'), where 'apo-' meant 'away' and 'horizein' meant 'to limit or define'.

'aphorize' was formed in English from the noun 'aphorism' (via Greek 'aphorismos') with the verb-forming suffix '-ize', and entered modern English usage as the verb 'aphorize'.

Initially it meant 'to set off or define (literally)', but over time it evolved into the current meaning 'to express in concise, aphoristic form'.