damage control

noun

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

Examples of damage control in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Authorities have been in damage control mode for the last few days after widespread misinformation about a cultural exchange program sparked a public panic – reflecting Japan’s conservative attitudes toward immigration and a recent rise in anti-foreigner sentiment. Jessie Yeung, CNN Money, 27 Aug. 2025 On August 25, the chain attempted to get ahead of it and implement damage control, insisting their brand values and heritage hadn’t changed. Doug Melville, Forbes.com, 27 Aug. 2025 What started as a productive discussion about project delays suddenly became an exercise in damage control. Brendan Keegan, Rolling Stone, 20 Aug. 2025 And part of that damage control looked like trying to befriend Keanu a little bit. Dalton Ross, EW.com, 8 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for damage control

Word History

First Known Use

1943, in the meaning defined above

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

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Cite this Entry

“Damage control.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/damage%20control. Accessed 5 Sep. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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