internal conflict

American  

[in-tur-nl kon-flikt] / ˈɪn tɜr nl ˈkɒn flɪkt /

noun

internal conflicts plural

1. psychological struggle within the mind of a literary or dramatic character, the resolution of which creates the plot's suspense.

   Hamlet's inaction is caused by internal conflict.

2. mental struggle arising from opposing demands or impulses.

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Usage

What is an internal conflict? Internal conflict is a struggle within a person’s mind over a problem or question. That’s why it’s called internal.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• internal conflicts
  plural

Etymology

Origin of internal conflict

First recorded in 1580–90

Compare meaning

How does internal-conflict compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• internal conflict vs. external conflict

Example Sentences

But the government—with a feeble military, weak economy and fear of stoking internal conflict like the 1975-90 civil war—lacks enforcement capabilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

This constant internal conflict raises a long-standing mystery.

From Science Daily • Jan. 26, 2026

He was using integrative negotiation thinking there, recognizing the shared humanitarian ideals of Christianity and democracy to bridge his points of internal conflict.

From Salon • May 23, 2025

That actor should also be of Middle Eastern descent and have the depth to seamlessly convey a person wrestling with both external and internal conflict.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2025

The internal conflict between slavery and freedom had been, and still was, scarcely perceptible in the national councils.

From Memoir of the Life of John Quincy Adams. by Quincy, Josiah