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in conflict

idiom

Definition of in conflict

1 : different in a way that prevents agreement
  • They're in conflict over which car to buy.
—usually + with
  • The law is in conflict with the state's constitution.
  • Her ideas were in direct conflict with those of her professor.
2 : in a struggle for power, property, etc.
  • The two clans were in constant conflict (with one another).

Word by Word Definitions

conflict play

  1. : fight, battle, war

  2. : competitive or opposing action of incompatibles : antagonistic state or action (as of divergent ideas, interests, or persons)

  3. : mental struggle resulting from incompatible or opposing needs, drives, wishes, or external or internal demands

  1. : to be different, opposed, or contradictory : to fail to be in agreement or accord

  2. : to contend in warfare

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