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

In any case, the nation’s approach toward Europe was not to meddle in its internal affairs but, rather, to avoid another terrible Continental war. — Beverly Gage, New Yorker, 28 Sep. 2026

The nation's constant refrain — stay out of our internal affairs — reflects its history of trying to secure the edges of the country that are distant from Beijing. — ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026

Meanwhile, the bureau of internal affairs has sustained findings of misconduct in another 463 inquiries, records show. — Sam Charles, Chicago Tribune, 24 Sep. 2026

According to police, Norck was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal case and a separate internal affairs investigation. — Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 19 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1685, in the meaning defined at sense 1b