maxed-out
UK[mækst ˈaʊt]US[mækst ˈaʊt]
adj
having reached a limit, especially of capacity, performance, or endurance
adj
(of a person) extremely tired or exhausted
Morpheme Breakdown
maxed
out
maxed
to bring to a maximum
out
to completion
Etymology
the term 'maxed-out' is a modern english compound, originating in mid-20th century american slang. it combines the clipped verb 'max', from the latin-derived 'maximum', with the adverbial particle 'out', a native english element. the literal construction means "to have taken something to its maximum point and then out," implying surpassing a sustainable limit. this vivid imagery evolved from mechanical or financial contexts (e.g., maxing out a credit card) to describe any state of being pushed to absolute capacity, whether of resources, performance, or personal energy.
Analysis
Structure: maxed (to bring to a maximum) + out (to completion)
'maxed' is derived from the verb 'max', a clipping of 'maximize' or 'maximum', ultimately from the latin 'maximum' (greatest thing). 'out' is from old english 'ūt' (out, forth, away), used here as an adverbial particle indicating completion or exhaustion.
Examples
after the final exams, i was completely maxed-out and slept for twelve hours.
the credit card was maxed-out after the expensive holiday shopping.
the athlete pushed his body to a maxed-out state during the intense training camp.