late 14c., "capable of perceiving, fitted for mental impression," from Medieval Latin apprehensivus, from Latin apprehens-, past participle stem of apprehendere "take hold of, grasp" physically or mentally (see apprehend). Meaning "fearful of what is to come" is recorded from 1630s, via notion of "capable of grasping with the mind" (c. 1600). Related: Apprehensively; apprehensiveness.
