a neighborhood being 'held hostage' to fear [=a neighborhood controlled or dominated by fear]
The terrorists demanded a plane and a pilot in exchange for the 'hostages'.
The 'hostage' crisis is now entering its second week.
(..) I got 'em. Hawkins, call in position and situation. Get Con Op on the hook. You got it, Major. Shit. Mac. Any sign of the other hostage? Found the other guy - he's dead, too - and the gear from the chopper. But if they're Central American, I'm a goddamn Chinaman. (..)1987 Predator