transitive verb

noun

, Grammar.

1. a verb accompanied by a direct object and from which a passive can be formed, as deny, rectify, elect.

transitive verb

1. A verb that needs a direct object to complete its meaning. Bring , enjoy , and prefer are transitive verbs. ( Compare intransitive verb .)

Notes

Some verbs can be transitive in one sentence and intransitive in another: turned is transitive in “Brenda turned the wheel sharply” but intransitive in “Fred turned when I called.”

Word History and Origins

Origin of transitive verb¹

First recorded in 1580–90

Example Sentences

This demonstrates the fundamental difference between a talk-variety show where the title delineates the host by using a preposition, "with," instead of a transitive verb, i.e, "starring."

From Salon

So did the Argentine military turn “disappear” into a transitive verb and the ocean into a mass grave.

From New York Times

You can’t fake a transitive verb As it turns out, I’m not the only one who falls into this trap.

From The Verge

But it is a legitimate transitive verb: I looked it up.

From Washington Post

The man is a transitive verb, a frantic genius and maybe even a darkly comic psycho — as are many of the great American filmmakers.

From Los Angeles Times