internal conflict
Americannoun
-
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.
-
mental struggle arising from opposing demands or impulses.
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
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:
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Their case this morning is that the spectacle of a governing party consumed by internal conflict is exactly what the public voted Labour to end.
From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026
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
The contradictory findings have since triggered internal conflict among L.A.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 31, 2025
"I think, then, that is all," she said, and I took my dismissal at the hands of the arrogant beauty with an internal conflict of anger and admiration.
From Hurricane Island by Watson, H. B. Marriott (Henry Brereton Marriott)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
