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