'aurify' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'aurum', where 'aur-' meant 'gold', combined with the verb-forming suffix '-ify' ultimately from Latin '-ificare' meaning 'to make'.

'aurify' was formed in Modern English by combining the Latin root 'aur-' (from 'aurum') with the productive English verb-forming suffix '-ify' (from Latin 'ficare'), following a common pattern of creating verbs meaning 'to make X'.

Initially related forms conveyed the idea 'to make gold' often in alchemical contexts; over time the sense shifted to 'to coat with gold' or 'to give a golden appearance' and, figuratively, to 'glorify' or 'idealize'.