conflicted

adjective

con·​flict·​ed kən-ˈflik-təd 

: experiencing or marked by ambivalence or a conflict especially of emotions

this unhappy and conflicted modern woman

—John Updike

conflicted feelings

Synonyms

• ambivalent
• equivocal

Examples of conflicted in a Sentence

She was still conflicted about her ex-husband's remarriage.

I'm conflicted about the prospect of our only child going away to college.

Recent Examples on the Web

This is the kind of honest, human moment that the average political documentary might resist, for fear of muddying an otherwise clear-eyed perspective, or even showing the filmmakers themselves having conflicted feelings, especially towards each other. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 1 Nov. 2024

Anthony Boyle stars as Brendan Hughes, a charismatic but conflicted military strategist, and Josh Finan as Gerry Adams, a leading political operator who would go on to negotiate peace and has always denied having any involvement with the IRA. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

The conflicted partisans are mostly Republican voters who have big personal qualms about Trump. —Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 10 Oct. 2024

Elizabeth Debicki Potential surprise: Lesley Manville Other actors have played Diana, particularly Emma Corrin who preceded Elizabeth Debicki in The Crown as the conflicted and iconic Princess of Wales. —Marc Berman, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of conflict entry 2

First Known Use

1789, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

conflicted

adjective

con·​flict·​ed kən-ˈflik-təd 

: having or experiencing emotional conflict

working women were much more conflicted about working than full-time mothers were about staying home

—People