Abuse refers to the use or treatment of something (a person, item, substance, concept, idea or vocabulary) that's harmful. It can be classed by the target of abuse or the type of abuse. Classes of abuse Classed by targets of abuse include Animal abuse: Abuse or cruelty directed at animals. Child abuse: Abuse, usually physical, emotional or sexual, directed at a child. Elder abuse: Abuse, most often physical or in the form of psychological threats, directed at the elderly, especially in nur… (More on Abuse)