'apuro' originates from Spanish, specifically the word 'apuro', which is related to the verb 'apurar' (to hurry, to press).

'apuro' developed in Old Spanish from the verbal base 'apurar' and came to be used as a noun for a pressing or urgent situation; its ultimate origin is uncertain but is commonly linked to Romance developments from Latin roots related to pressing or hastening.

Initially related to urgency or the action of pressing/hurrying; over time it shifted to name the resulting difficult or pressing situation ('a predicament').