The Accusative of the Direct Object denotes (1) that which is directly affected , or (2) that which is caused or produced by the action of the verb:— (1) Brūtus Caesarem interfēcit , Brutus killed Cæsar. (2) aedem facere , to make a temple. [Cf. proelium pūgnāre , to fight a battle , § 390 .] There is no definite line by which transitive verbs can be distinguished from intransitive. Verbs which usually take a direct object (expressed or implied) are called transitive, but many of these are often used intransitively or absolutely. Thus timeō , I fear , is transitive in the sentence inimīcum timeō , I fear my enemy , but intransitive ( absolute ) in nōlī timēre , don't be afraid. Again, many verbs are transitive in one sense and intransitive in another: as,— Helvētiōs superāvērunt Rōmānī , the Romans overcame the Helvetians; but nihil superābat , nothing remained (was left over). So also many verbs commonly intransitive may be used transitively with a slight change of meaning: as,— rīdēs , you are laughing; but mē rīdēs , you're laughing at me.