'apoplectoid' originates from Modern English, specifically formed by combining 'apoplectic' and the suffix '-oid'. The suffix '-oid' ultimately comes from Greek 'οειδής' ('oeidēs'), where 'oeidēs' meant 'form, likeness'.

'apoplectoid' developed from the adjective 'apoplectic' (itself from Late Latin 'apoplexia' and Greek 'apoplēxía') combined with the productive suffix '-oid', and eventually became the modern English word 'apoplectoid'.

Originally related words referred directly to 'apoplexy' (a stroke or being struck down); over time the formation 'apoplectoid' came to mean 'resembling apoplexy' and was also extended metaphorically to mean 'resembling extreme anger'.