internal conflict

[in-tur-nl kon-flikt]

noun

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of internal conflict¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes wrote on LinkedIn this year that he feels a “deep internal conflict” about flying private, given his profile as a climate activist.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

Their “internal conflict, depression, and anxiety” is ascribed solely to urges “inconsistent with their faith or values.”

Read more on Salon

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".

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Schnitt said there was “internal conflict” about how to handle the files, with Schnitt calling Bondi a “yes-person.”

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The restaurant became a symbol of immigrant entrepreneurship embracing a conservative political identity, but behind the facade, legal troubles, internal conflict and immigration enforcement loomed.

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When To Use

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.