damage control meaning: definition, quotations

damage control

noun

The limiting of damage resulting from an action when damage cannot be avoided.

Nautical, Transport A department or group, as aboard a naval vessel, responsible for taking action to control damage caused by fire, collision, etc.

Any efforts, as by a company or organization, to curtail losses, counteract unfavorable publicity, etc.

Public relations

As news of the impending layoffs spread faster, the company finally began damage control.
Across receptions and fringe events at the Conservative conference in Birmingham, MPs welcomed the U-turn but hinted further damage control was needed.2022 October 3, “Tory MPs plot to avert welfare squeeze after humiliating U-turns”, in The Guardian:

1 more example

The platform’s CEO, Linda Yaccarino, attempted to do damage control after Musk’s Thursday post, though she did not say his name or reference his tweet.2023 November 17, Blake Montgomery, “White House condemns Elon Musk’s ‘abhorrent’ antisemitic tweets”, in The Guardian, →ISSN: