What legal term describes the act of misleading someone into entering a contract?

The term that best describes the act of misleading someone into entering a contract is fraud. Fraud involves intentional deception to secure unfair or unlawful gain, and it typically includes the provision of false information or the concealment of critical facts. This deceit must be significant enough that the misled party relies on it to their detriment, ultimately influencing their decision to enter into the contract.

While misrepresentation might seem similar, it typically refers to false statements or omissions made without the intention to deceive. Coercion and duress involve forcing someone to enter a contract against their will but do not pertain to misleading actions or deceptive practices. Fraud specifically encompasses a broader scheme of deception, making it the most accurate term for the scenario described.