Poke is the tactic of using long range abilities or attacks to repeatedly chip away at an enemy’s health while staying at a safe distance. Champions with strong poke can pressure opponents during the Lane phase, force them to use potions, or weaken them enough that a follow up Burst attempt becomes much more threatening.
The term also applies to team compositions built around long range damage. These poke focused teams soften enemies before fights, making it easier to secure control of an area or win a later engagement through sustained DPS. Effective poke creates constant pressure and often dictates when and where the opposing team is able to move.