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

Then, a video demonstrating an ancient deadfall trap received over a million views.

From New York Times ● Feb. 27, 2023

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

A drizzle hung in the air when we set off, and before long it had turned into a steady, merciless, deadfall rain.

From "A Walk in the Woods" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

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