deadfall

[ ded-fawl ]

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 fall trees.

deadfall

/ ˈdɛdˌfɔːl /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of deadfall¹

First recorded in 1605–15; dead + fall

Example Sentences

Deadfall is a particularly thorny problem, and the club’s latter-day lumberjacks head out with chain saws in tow to remove trees upward of 4 feet in diameter.

From Seattle Times

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

From New York Times

With a nervous look at the shadows under the trees, Nhamo crossed the clearing and quickly gathered firewood from a deadfall in a dry streambed.

From Literature

Some deadfall will be allowed to rot, creating new habitat.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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