peaked

The word 'peaked' is formed by adding the common English adjectival suffix '-ed' to the noun 'peak'. The core noun 'peak' emerged in the 16th century, likely evolving from the earlier 'pike', a weapon with a sharp point, which itself has Proto-Germanic origins. The literal sense of 'peaked' as "having a peak or point" logically extends from this, describing anything that comes to a distinct apex. The later, more abstract meaning of looking pale and drawn, as if one's features have become sharp and pointed from wasting away, is a figurative development of this physical description, first recorded in the 19th century.

Structure: peak (point) + ed (adjective suffix) 'peak' originates from Middle English 'pek' or 'pike', of uncertain origin, possibly related to 'pike' (a pointed weapon). It functions as the core noun/verb root meaning a pointed top or summit. '-ed' is a native English suffix (from Old English '-ed', '-od', '-ad') used to form adjectives from nouns or verbs, indicating possession of a quality.