internal conflict

American  

[in-tur-nl kon-flikt] / ˈɪn tɜr nl ˈkɒn flɪkt /

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.

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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:

• internal conflict vs. external conflict

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.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

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

From Salon

On Wednesday, Noboa said that the drug lord's capture was proof his approach - which includes bringing in laws giving him sweeping powers to declare an "armed internal conflict", and which allows police to conduct searches without a warrant - was working.

From BBC

He was using integrative negotiation thinking there, recognizing the shared humanitarian ideals of Christianity and democracy to bridge his points of internal conflict.

From Salon