astray, be perplexed, in doubt, lost, err, illusion
迷 centers on losing one's way, whether physically, mentally, or morally: being lost, astray, perplexed, in doubt, or caught in illusion.
迷 combines 辶 (movement) with 米, which likely contributes the sound and suggests something like grains scattering, leading to the idea of losing direction.
The movement radical 辶 wraps around 米 (rice). Imagine walking while scattering rice grains, losing your path and becoming completely lost.
For メイ, picture a lost traveler wandering through a maze: maze -> メイ, and the maze keeps them astray.
trouble; bother; annoyance; nuisance; inconvenience
to lose one's way; to get lost; to go astray
hesitation; bewilderment; perplexity; doubt; indecision
lost child; lost person; stray child; missing child
labyrinth; maze
hanging low (of clouds)
camouflage; disguise
maze; labyrinth
straying; wandering (off course)
superstition; superstitious belief
turmoil; chaos; confusion
to lose one's mind; to lose control of oneself
to stray into; to lose one's way (and enter); to wander into
meaningless or stupid turn of phrase that at first glance resembles a wise saying; silly saying; nonsensical proverb
bigoted; obstinate; stubborn; pigheaded
nuisance to other people; inconvenience to others
unwelcome favor; unwelcome favour; misplaced kindness
lost child; stray child
real nuisance; becoming inconvenienced by someone else's problems (through no fault of one's own)
trouble; bother; annoyance