deadfall
noun
dead·fall ˈded-ˌfȯl 
1
: a trap so constructed that a weight (such as a heavy log) falls on an animal and kills or disables it
2
: a tangled mass of fallen trees and branches
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Seems like everyone hits the same two big sections of deadfall that are just heinous to navigate through, and everyone is less than enthusiastic about those portions of the ridge. 
Brendan Leonard, Outside Online, 27 Mar. 2020 Amid thick deadfall in the high country, every root and bleached cow femur can resemble an antler. The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2022 Over the final mile to the summit, the trail dodges among deadfall and wood chips left from when the trail was cleared of obstacles. Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 20 Aug. 2021 His warning, the tree-climbing vernacular for plummeting deadfall, fills the forest moments before a branch whooshes passed, inches from my head. Thayer Walker, Scientific American, 29 Dec. 2016 Inside their vehicle, there was no rope strong enough to drag the deadfall. Daniel Glick, Scientific American, 3 Apr. 2017 The two old grouse hunters were sitting on an old beech deadfall, the aroma of applewood pipe smoke drifting through the tangled grouse country. Steve Meyer, Anchorage Daily News, 13 June 2020 The waterproof neoprene top offers the flexibility and comfort for miles of walking and stepping over deadfalls, while the rubber foot portion keeps your feet dry and protected from snow, creeks, and any wet conditions. Alex Gyllstrom, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2020 Elena can spot a deer at 100 yards or a soaring redtail heading for a distant deadfall. Jim Gronaw, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 24 Aug. 2019 See More
Brendan Leonard, Outside Online, 27 Mar. 2020 Amid thick deadfall in the high country, every root and bleached cow femur can resemble an antler. The New Yorker, 7 Mar. 2022 Over the final mile to the summit, the trail dodges among deadfall and wood chips left from when the trail was cleared of obstacles. Mare Czinar, The Arizona Republic, 20 Aug. 2021 His warning, the tree-climbing vernacular for plummeting deadfall, fills the forest moments before a branch whooshes passed, inches from my head. Thayer Walker, Scientific American, 29 Dec. 2016 Inside their vehicle, there was no rope strong enough to drag the deadfall. Daniel Glick, Scientific American, 3 Apr. 2017 The two old grouse hunters were sitting on an old beech deadfall, the aroma of applewood pipe smoke drifting through the tangled grouse country. Steve Meyer, Anchorage Daily News, 13 June 2020 The waterproof neoprene top offers the flexibility and comfort for miles of walking and stepping over deadfalls, while the rubber foot portion keeps your feet dry and protected from snow, creeks, and any wet conditions. Alex Gyllstrom, Outdoor Life, 13 Mar. 2020 Elena can spot a deer at 100 yards or a soaring redtail heading for a distant deadfall. Jim Gronaw, baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll, 24 Aug. 2019 See More Word History
First Known Use
1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1