English grammar

A transitive verb is used when the subject is performing an action. An intransitive verb is used when the subject is having action performed on it. example: John kicked the ball. transitive.
The ball was kicked by John.- intransitive.

I think you're confusing transitive/intransitive with active/passive.

A transitive verb takes a direct object; an intransitive verb does not.

Correct. Here's an illustration:

John kissed Jane. (Transitive: Jane is the direct object of the action.)

John laughed. (Intransitive: no object)

Some verbs can only be transitive, others can only be intransitive, but many can be either. For instance,you can say John kicked the ball (transitive) but you can also say John kicked and screamed.

I yield to George and Syntenin.