peak
UK: piːk | US: piːk
n. the pointed top of a mountain
n. the highest point or maximum level of something
vi. to reach the highest point or level
The word "peak" likely traces back to Old English pīc, meaning "point" or "sharp end," and may share roots with Middle Dutch pīk and Old Norse pík. Its original sense referred to the pointed top of a mountain, later extending metaphorically to any highest point or climax. The verb form emerged in the 16th century, meaning "to reach a summit." The word’s simplicity and vivid imagery (sharpness → height → climax) aided its retention in Modern English.
The climbers finally reached the mountain’s snow-covered peak.
Sales peaked during the holiday season.
She is at the peak of her career.
The graph shows a sharp peak in energy consumption.
His performance peaked in the final match.