'ram-like' originates from Modern English, combining the noun 'ram' and the adjective-forming suffix '-like' (meaning 'similar to' or 'having the characteristics of').

'ram' comes from Old English 'ramm' (meaning 'male sheep'), itself from Proto-Germanic *rammaz; the suffix '-like' derives from Old English '-lic' (later Middle English '-like'), meaning 'having the nature of'. These elements were combined in Modern English to form 'ram-like'.

Initially a literal compound meaning 'like a ram' (appearance or relation to the animal); over time it has also been used figuratively to describe forceful, headstrong, or ramming behavior.