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

Their case this morning is that the spectacle of a governing party consumed by internal conflict is exactly what the public voted Labour to end.

From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2026

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

The contradictory findings have since triggered internal conflict among L.A.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 31, 2025

Then, as no man had the ascendency of Cortez, the time that succeeded the occupation was disturbed by internal conflict, in which both the conquerors perished.

From Lectures on Modern history by Acton, John Emerich Edward Dalberg Acton, Baron