external conflict

American  

[ek-stur-nl kon-flikt] / ˈɛk stɜr nl ˈkɒn flɪkt /

noun

1. struggle between a literary or dramatic character and an outside force such as nature or another character, which drives the dramatic action of the plot.

   external conflict between Macbeth and Macduff.

2. struggle between a person and an outside force.

   external conflict between parents and children.

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Usage

What is an external conflict? There are lots of different types of external conflict, but what is common among all of them is that the conflict is always a clash between one person (or group) and a different person (or group). It is not a struggle within one’s self. That’s why it’s called external.

Etymology

Origin of external conflict

First recorded in 1765–75

Compare meaning

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

• internal conflict vs. external conflict

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

external conflict

During periods of external conflict, governments often find it easier to suppress internal opposition, justify tighter security measures and rally support around national defence.

From BBC ● Jul. 30, 2026

“Most of the external conflict, messiness and miscommunication in the world — in corporations, in relationships, in families, in every aspect of our lives — is caused by internal conflict,” Ms. Koch continued.

From New York Times ● Feb. 23, 2023

Friday alone promises fireworks, with a slate of speakers from countries roiled by internal and external conflict.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 23, 2021

While a sugarcane farm isn’t a trap or another planet, it augments the internal and external conflict of the characters.

From The Guardian ● Sep. 28, 2016

In science, problems are often exclusively matters of a physical nature and the external conflict is man being challenged by nature.

From Sequential Problem Solving A Student Handbook with Checklists for Successful Critical Thinking by Fredric Lozo