internal affairs

plural noun

1

a

: the activities involved in managing an organized entity (such as a company or club)

b

: matters that directly affect the lives of citizens within a country or state : domestic affairs

In political debates, the principle resounds, "Our country should not be concerned with or meddle in the internal affairs of other countries."

—D. E. Koshland, Jr.

compare foreign affairs

2

US : a department within a law enforcement agency or organization that addresses complaints about the agency or organization itself

an internal affairs officer/investigator

Word History

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1b