Check in poker is a term that indicates that the player has no desire to bet i.e. put any money in the pot. Checking in Texas Hold Em is a viable option only if there was not a bet prior to our turn. If someone put a raise, then our options would be to call, fold or raise. Check will not be possible.
When it comes to preflop play (when the board cards are not dealt), only the player on the big blind has the legal right to check, in case there was not a raise before his turn. All the other players must either call the big blind, raise or fold.