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

Examples of internal affairs in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

James Tomsheck, the former head of internal affairs for the Border Patrol, who was forced out of his job in 2014, alleged a culture of rampant impunity and corruption, saying that very few agents are willing to publicly voice complaints. — Francisco Cantú, New Yorker, 2 Nov. 2026

The Department also opened an internal affairs investigation to determine whether the Troopers on duty fulfilled their responsibilities in the course of their shift. — Cheryl Fiandaca, CBS News, 2 Nov. 2026

He’ll be assisted by his pal, the somewhat more purposeful Lietenant Sam Weinberg (Nick Blaemire) and the passionately inquisitive internal affairs officer Lieutenant Commander JoAnne Galloway (Rodriguez). — Greg Evans, Deadline, 29 Oct. 2026

Corona said he was interviewed by the Los Angeles Police Department’s internal affairs group. — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1b