transitive
adj.adj. describing a verb that needs a direct object to make sense. You use this when the action of the verb moves from the subject to something else.
adj. relating to a verb that requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The action or state described by the verb is transferred to or directed toward an object.
The verb 'eat' is transitive because you must eat something.
In the sentence 'She gave the book to her friend', the verb 'gave' is transitive as it requires the direct object 'the book'.
While some languages allow for a high degree of ambiguity, English requires that every transitive verb be followed by a direct object to ensure the sentence remains grammatically complete and semantically clear.
From Latin trānsitīvus, from trānsitus, from trāns (“across”) + itus, from eō (“to go”).