expression, suru verb (precursor)
become emaciated; waste away; grow gaunt
Literary and archaic expression describing a person's appearance becoming haggard and thin, often from illness or hardship. Used in classical or highly formal contexts.
He became emaciated from a long illness.
Modern, common verb for becoming haggard or worn-out in appearance, whereas 形容枯槁す is a stiff classical expression.
Literary but more modern than 形容枯槁す; emphasizes wasting away physically.
A Sino-Japanese compound from 形容 (form, appearance) and 枯槁 (wither, emaciate), combined with the classical verb ending す. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it follows a pattern of classical Chinese-influenced expressions.