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.
This constant internal conflict raises a long-standing mystery.
From Science Daily • Jan. 26, 2026
The nature of the work does produce some internal conflict.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 12, 2026
In its ruling, the watchdog said it acknowledged that viewers would understand that the ad "parodied the common, internal conflict of choosing between social activities and personal responsibilities".
From BBC • Sep. 10, 2025
But meanwhile, leaving Zionism has relieved her of a feeling of internal conflict.
From Salon • Apr. 21, 2024
No, it is too much—this internal conflict which rends my heart, and that has just brought me to the brink of the grave, must cease.
From Corinne, Volume 1 (of 2) Or Italy by Greig, R. S.
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.
