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
The contradictory findings have since triggered internal conflict among L.A.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 31, 2025
Matrilocal societies are also less likely to experience internal conflict, she says.
From BBC • Jan. 15, 2025
Frau Salden had risen from her bed; she felt really better; only the internal conflict still remained imprinted in her features.
From Withered Leaves. Vol. II. (of III) A Novel by Gottschall, Rudolf von
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.
