'apoplexy-like' is built from 'apoplexy' (originating in Greek) plus the English suffix '-like' (from Old English). 'Apoplexy' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'apoplēxia', where 'apo-' meant 'away, off' and 'plēssō' (root) meant 'to strike'. The suffix '-like' originates from Old English 'lic', meaning 'having the form of' or 'similar to'.

'apoplexy' passed from Greek 'apoplēxia' into Late Latin/Medieval Latin 'apoplexia', then into Old French and Middle English as 'apoplexie'/'apoplexy'. The suffix '-like' comes from Old English 'lic' (related to modern 'ly'/'-like') and developed into a productive Modern English adjective-forming suffix; combined, they produced the compound/adjective 'apoplexy-like' in modern English.

Initially, 'apoplexy' referred specifically to a sudden physical seizure or stroke. Over time it also acquired a figurative sense of extreme or sudden rage ('apoplectic'). Combined with '-like', the compound can therefore mean either 'stroke-like' (medical) or 'resembling extreme fury' (figurative), depending on context.