Visualising an image of the object that a word represents can help you build your vocabulary.
This technique works for words that correspond with a specific object; it works less well for abstract words.
For example, consider the word "aglet". An aglet is the plastic or metal tip of a shoelace that prevents the shoelace from fraying.
When learning the word "aglet", visualise the tips of your shoelaces. Keep the image in mind for at least a few seconds. At the same time, repeat the word "aglet" out loud.
Make sure you say the word out loud, and not just inside your head. Say the word loudly. And make sure you pronounce the word correctly.
To make sure you pronounce new words correctly, use a program such as the popular Ultimate Vocabulary software. Ultimate Vocabulary comes with audio pronunciation by a real person (rather than a computer-generated voice).