actional verb
in linguistics, a verb that denotes physical action, usually performed by an agent and resulting in an effect on a patient, such as kick or kiss. A nonactional verb is one that denotes an occurrence, experience, state, or condition, such as be, have, see, think, or explain. Some psychologists believe that the distinction between actional and nonactional verbs is significant in explaining patterns of early language development. See also causative verb.