internal conflict

American  

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

noun

• internal conflicts
  plural

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.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• internal conflicts
  plural

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

See Examples For:

internal conflict

Decades on from the end of a civil war that killed 150,000 people, Lebanon remains deeply divided and still lives under the spectre of internal conflict.

From Barron's ● Sep. 16, 2026

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

In the common struggle for the preservation of the city the prejudices of the patricians weakened, and after a long internal conflict, the plebeians were admitted to full rights of citizenship.

From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India—Volume I (of IV) by R. V. (Robert Vane) Russell