A scrape is generally the least severe of these injuries.  An abrasion happens when the skin is torn, but not missing, due to friction or rough contact.  Scrapes can be painful and inflamed, but are typically easy to treat at home as long as they do not become infected.  A cut refers to an injury that occurs when the skin has been broken by a sharp object such as a glass or a kitchen knife.  Cuts can vary greatly in severity depending on their length and depth.  A laceration is a severe cut that includes torn or jagged edges.  Lacerations may also include bruising or be irregular in shape.