Final answer:
In Stephen Crane's 'The Open Boat,' the word 'dejection' describes the captain's state of sadness and hopelessness after the shipwreck.
Step-by-step explanation:
The meaning of the word dejection in the context of the excerpt from Stephen Crane's short story "The Open Boat" refers to a state of low spirits, sadness, and loss of hope. This feeling typically occurs when individuals experience significant failure or defeat, as exemplified by the captain who feels dejection after his ship goes down. The excerpt illustrates the captain's profound dejection and indifference, highlighting his emotional struggle amidst the dire situation of the shipwreck.