And as there is no possible advantage in writing it, with contend ready to hand, it is better avoided in the intransitive sense.
Naturally, if the verb is intransitive, the direct object is not found.
British Dictionary definitions for intransitive
intransitive
/ɪnˈtrænsɪtɪv/
adjective
1.
denoting a verb when it does not require a direct object
denoting a verb that customarily does not require a direct object: "to faint" is an intransitive verb
(as noun) a verb in either of these categories
2.
denoting an adjective or noun that does not require any particular noun phrase as a referent
3.
(logic, maths) (of a relation) having the property that if it holds between one argument and a second, and between the second and a third, it must fail to hold between the first and the third: "being the mother of" is an intransitive relation
1610s, from Late Latin intransitivus "not passing over" (to another person), Priscian's term, from Latin in- "not" (see in- (1)) + transitivus "that may pass over," from transire "to pass over" (see transitive).