deadfall

American  

[ded-fawl] / ˈdɛdˌfɔl /

noun

1. a trap, especially for large game, in which a weight falls on and crushes the prey.

2. a mass of brush and fallen trees.

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deadfall British  

/ ˈdɛdˌfɔːl /

noun

1. Also called: downfall.  a type of trap, used esp for catching large animals, in which a heavy weight falls to crush the prey

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Etymology

Origin of deadfall

First recorded in 1605–15; dead + fall

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

deadfall

The device’s clever design and battery-powered fans also allow it to emit less smoke than your standard fire pit, regardless of whether you’re burning charcoal or deadfall.

From The Verge ● Nov. 8, 2021

Klain said the group typically maintains 250 to 300 miles of trail each year by clearing deadfall, improving drainage and performing other work requested by land managers, including the U.S.

From Washington Times ● May 8, 2021

Looking up from the sidewalk, I was always conscious of this stark deadfall.

From The New Yorker ● Dec. 29, 2014

The Woodland Trust said deadfall washed out by rivers from Urquhart Bay Wood could explain a recent report of something emerging from the loch.

From BBC ● Nov. 20, 2014

First, though, he would use one of the carcasses to bait a deadfall, in the hope of trapping something to eat overnight.

From "Wolf Brother" by Michelle Paver

Related Words

• danger
• difficulty
• drawback
• peril
• risk
• snag