internal conflict
Americannoun
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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.
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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.
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.
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
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
But many in Lebanon fear a new internal conflict could follow.
From BBC • Nov. 26, 2024
"That ought to be enough, I think," said the Captain, with a degree of irritation that bespoke a long internal conflict.
From The Martins Of Cro' Martin, Vol. II (of II) by Lever, Charles James
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.
