Go at Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Hostile Connotation The phrase may imply hostility and can sound quite harsh or aggressive. The audience went at the politician for his controversial statement. Pro Tip 2/3Physical or Verbal Can refer to physical attacks as well as verbal arguments or criticisms. When they disagreed, they really went at each other verbally. Pro Tip 3/3Intensity Matters Often suggests a strong, intense effort or force, not a mild disagreement. Despite their friendship, she went at him fiercely over his views.