damage control

noun

: measures taken to offset or minimize damage to reputation, credibility, or public image caused by a controversial act, remark, or revelation

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The news set off a blame game internally, with executives in New York, London and Zurich turning on one another instead of focusing on damage control. Marion Halftermeyer, Fortune, 19 Mar. 2023 However, Paton managed some damage control, dealing pass rusher Bradley Chubb to the Miami Dolphins before the trade deadline and recouping a first-round spot in 2023, albeit one – initially property of the San Francisco 49ers – that will land much further down the board. Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 26 Dec. 2022 That’s probably why someone at Founders Fund hit up Axios for damage control: someone — can’t imagine who! Elizabeth Lopatto, The Verge, 15 Mar. 2023 However, Paton managed some damage control, dealing Chubb to the Miami Dolphins before the trade deadline and recouping a first-round spot in 2023, albeit one – initially property of the San Francisco 49ers – that will land much further down the board. Nate Davis, USA TODAY, 10 Jan. 2023 In an effort at damage control, officials have sought to smear Moskalyov. Natalia Abbakumova, Washington Post, 31 Mar. 2023 The White House denied Beijing’s accusation and described the claim as an attempt at damage control. Nectar Gan, CNN, 13 Feb. 2023 After receiving significant criticism for its silence from prominent Cuban Americans such as Senator Marco Rubio (R., Fla.), today, the Biden administration circulated a press release that seems to be an effort at damage control more than anything else. Aron Ravin, National Review, 12 July 2021 That finding was met with skepticism by some, including Allen, who questioned whether Dr. Berendzen had been trying to do damage control by sharing his account of childhood abuse. Harrison Smith, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2023 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'damage control.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of damage control was in 1943

Dictionary Entries Near damage control

Cite this Entry

“Damage control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/damage%20control. Accessed 8 Jun. 2023.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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