To scatter or sprinkle something (e.g., water, seeds) so it spreads over an area.
庭に水をまく。
I water (sprinkle water on) the garden.
畑に種をまく。
To sow seeds in the field.
塩をまいて凍結を防いだ。
I spread salt to prevent freezing.
To distribute or hand out (flyers, leaflets, etc.).
駅前でビラをまいている学生たちがいる。
There are students handing out flyers in front of the station.
イベントの案内を町中にまいた。
We distributed event flyers around town.
To shake off (a pursuer or companion); to lose someone who is following you.
後ろから来た男をうまくまいて駅に入った。
I managed to shake off the man who was following me and got into the station.
彼は犯人を撒こうと必死に走った。
He ran desperately to try to lose the culprit.